Vortex Reconnection

Two anti-parallel vortex filaments approaching — reconnection event, Kelvin waves, topology change

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Vortex reconnection is a topological change where two anti-parallel vortex lines exchange ends. It occurs in superfluids, turbulence, and Magnus effects. Kelvin waves radiate along the vortex filaments after reconnection. Minimum distance d_min ~ (νt)^{1/2}.