First Helmholtz vortex theorem

Values of angular-velocity vector

and sectional area
may vary along the
given vortex core, however vortex core consumption along its whole length
remains constant. This is a content of the first Helmholtz theorem.
This theorem is only of kinematic type and is valid for any continuum provided
that the field of velocities is a continuous function of coordinates. We shall prove
this theorem using Zhukovsky method. Starting from equations (2.34), we shall
write partial derivatives with respect to coordinates
velocity

x y
,

z
and

for angular

x 1 2Vz V y

,
x
2 yx z x

y 1 2V x 2Vz

,
y
2 z y xy

2
z 1 V y 2V x
.

z
2 x z yz

Having summed them we obtain the equation:

x y z

0
x
y
z
or

r
div( ) 0

(2.42)

(2.43)

Last equation is similar to the continuity equation (2.25) if we should assume

that incompressible fluid moves within the vortex tube with vector
equation (2.42) is the continuity equation for vector

. Thus, the

By analogy with the flow consumption equation (2.29) for vortex filament for
which angular rate may be considered as constant value over the section, it is
possible to write down

I 2 1 1 2 2 2 co n s t

(2.44)

For all cross-sections

of vortex line strength

at reduction of cross-sectional area

I 0

is a constant value, therefore

angular rate

will increase and on the

contrary. If
at
angular rate
that is physically impossible.
Thus, the vortex line can not be needle point at its end in a fluid, it only can lean
against its solid boundaries, or on a free surface or to swing in a ring.