Vortex Merger: 2D Fluid Dynamics

Point vortices evolve under Biot-Savart law — same-sign vortices merge, opposite orbit

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Circulation: 0
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Vortex Dynamics

Point vortices in 2D move under the Biot-Savart law: each vortex induces a velocity field that advects all others. This is an exact solution to the 2D Euler (ideal fluid) equations.

Co-rotating vortices orbit each other and may merge — a key mechanism in 2D turbulence's inverse energy cascade.

Kelvin's circulation theorem: total circulation Γ = Σ κᵢ is conserved in ideal flow.

Colors: red = positive (CCW), blue = negative (CW). Background shows induced vorticity field. Click to add a vortex.