We consider an overdetermined elliptic problem known as the hollow vortex problem. We prove that the solutions to this problem are in 1:1 correspondence with minimal graphs bounded by horizontal symmetry lines. We use this correspondence to give various examples of domains with hollow vortices.
A family of periodic solutions to the hollow vortex problem was constructed by Baker, Saffman and Sheffield in @cite_6 . It corresponds to the family of horizontal Scherk surfaces (see Figure , top left) -- the authors were of course not aware of that relationship. The same solution was derived again by Crowdy and Green in @cite_3 , together with another family of solutions called "staggered vortex streets". The corresponding minimal graphs are periodic and take on two different values on the boundary as in Case II. However, they are asymptotic to half-planes of non-zero slope at infinity, so extending these surfaces by reflection yields complete minimal surfaces which are not embedded.
@cite_3 @cite_6
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New analytical solutions are presented for steadily translating von Karman vortex streets made up of two infinite rows of hollow vortices. First, the solution for a single row of hollow vortices due to ["Structure of a linear array of hollow vortices of finite cross-section," J. Fluid Mech. 74, 469 (1976)] is rederived, in a modified form, and using a new mathematical approach. This approach is then generalized to find relative equilibria for both unstaggered and staggered double hollow vortex streets. The method employs a combination of free streamline theory and conformal mapping ideas. The staggered hollow vortex streets are compared with analogous numerical solutions for double streets of vortex patches due to Saffman and Schatzman [Properties of a vortex street of finite vortices, SIAM (Soc. Ind. Appl. Math.) J. Sci. Stat. Comput. 2, 285 (1981)] and several common features are found. In particular, within the two different inviscid vortex models, the same street aspect ratio of approxi... Free-streamline theory is employed to construct an exact steady solution for a linear array of hollow, or stagnant cored, vortices in an inviscid incompressible fluid. If each vortex has area A and the separation is L, there are two possible shapes if A[1 2] L is less than a critical value 0.38 and none if it is larger. The stability of the shapes to two-dimensional, periodic and symmetric disturbances is considered for hollow vortices. The more deformed of the two possible shapes is found to be unstable while the less deformed shape is stable.