Higher-dimensional Euler fluids and Hasimoto transform: counterexamples and generalizations

Abstract

The binormal (or vortex filament) equation provides the localized induction approximation of the 3D incompressible Euler equation. We present explicit solutions of the binormal equation in higher-dimensions that collapse in finite time. The local nature of this phenomenon suggests the appearance of singularity in nearby vortex blob solutions of the Euler equation in 5D and higher. Furthermore, the Hasimoto transform takes the binormal equation to the NLS and barotropic fluid equations. We show that in higher dimensions the existence of such a transform would imply the conservation of the Willmore energy in skew-mean-curvature flows and present counterexamples for vortex membranes based on products of spheres. These (counter)examples imply that there is no straightforward generalization to higher dimensions of the 1D Hasimoto transform. We derive its replacement, the evolution equations for the mean curvature and torsion form for membranes, thus generalizing the barotropic fluid and Da Rios equations.