Geometric constraints on potentially

Abstract

We discuss necessary and sufficient conditions for the formation of finite time singularities (blow up) in the incompressible three dimensional Euler equations. The well-known result of Beale, Kato and Majda states that these equations have smooth solutions on the time interval (0,t) if, and only if lim/t{r_arrow}T {integral}{sup t}{sub 0} {parallel}{Omega}({center_dot},s){parallel}{sub L}{sup {infinity}} (dx)dx < {infinity} where {Omega} = {triangledown} X u is the vorticity of the fluid and u is its divergence=free velocity. In this paper we prove criteria in which the direction of vorticity {xi} = {Omega}/{vert_bar}{Omega}{vert_bar} plays an important role.