XX. The potential of an anchor ring.-Part II

Abstract

This paper is a continuation of that at pp. 43-95 suprd , on “The Potential of an Anchor Bing.” In that paper the potential of an anchor ring was found at all external points; in this/its value is determined at internal points. The annular form of rotating gravitating fluid was also discussed in that paper; here the stability of such a ring is considered. In addition, the potential of a ring whose cross-section is elliptic, being of interest in connection with Saturn, is obtained. The similarity of the methods employed, as well as of the analysis, has led me to give in this paper also a determination of the steady motion of a single vortex-ring in an infinite fluid, and of several fine vortex rings on the same axis. In Section I. solutions of Laplace’s equation applicable to space inside an anchor ring are obtained. These results are applied to obtain the potential of a solid ring at internal points, and also of a distribution of matter on the surface of the ring. The work done in collecting the ring from infinity is obtained.