Generalized Ertel’s theorem and infinite hierarchies of conserved quantities for three-dimensional time-dependent Euler and Navier–Stokes equations

Abstract

AbstractLocal conservation laws are systematically constructed for three-dimensional time-dependent viscous and inviscid incompressible fluid flows, in primitive variables and vorticity formulation, using the direct construction method. Complete sets of local conservation laws in primitive variables are derived for the case of conservation law multipliers depending on derivatives up to the second order. In the vorticity formulation, there exists an infinite family of vorticity-dependent conservation laws involving an arbitrary differentiable function of space and time, holding for both viscous and inviscid cases. The infinite conservation law family is used to generate further independent hierarchies of conservation laws that essentially involve vorticity and arbitrary flow parameters, which are determined by known evolution equations such as those for momentum, energy or helicity, though not necessarily in the form of a conservation law. The new conservation laws are not restricted to any reduced flow geometry such as planar or axisymmetric limits. Examples are considered.