A vortex filament in a perfect fluid is an excellent system, similar to an elastic string, elastic membrane, diffusion tube, and conducting rod, for presenting the equations of mathematical physics. A small amplitude helical wave spreading along an unstretchable vortex filament is shown to obey the linear Schrödinger equation. Taking into account elastic properties of the filament leads to the Klein-Gordon equation.
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© 2005 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2005
American Association of Physics Teachers
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