Scattering Amplitudes and the Navier-Stokes Equation

Abstract

We explore the scattering amplitudes of fluid quanta described by the Navier-Stokes equation and its non-Abelian generalization. These amplitudes exhibit universal infrared structures analogous to the Weinberg soft theorem and the Adler zero. Furthermore, they satisfy on-shell recursion relations which together with the three-point scattering amplitude furnish a pure S-matrix formulation of incompressible fluid mechanics. Remarkably, the amplitudes of the non-Abelian Navier-Stokes equation also exhibit color-kinematics duality as an off-shell symmetry, for which the associated kinematic algebra is literally the algebra of spatial diffeomorphisms. Applying the double copy prescription, we then arrive at a new theory of a tensor bi-fluid. Finally, we present monopole solutions of the non-Abelian and tensor Navier-Stokes equations and observe a classical double copy structure.