Geometric Stability of Pseudo-plane Ideal Flows

Abstract: Geometric analysis of steady pseudo-plane ideal flow reveals a fundamental relation between vertical coherence and streamline topology. It shows vertical alignment only exists in straightline jet and circular vortex. A geometric stability theory is then developed as a structural stability in contrast to traditional dynamical stability, suggesting all vertical-aligned pseudo-plane flows are geometrically stable and all non-aligned non-straightline flows are unstable. It provides a topological explanation for the tendency of axisymmetrization and vertical alignment observed in vortex experiments.