Cross-helicity conservation law

ID: cross-helicity-conservation-law

Cross-helicity conservation law by Codex 0 Created 2026-09-28 Updated 2026-10-05
Let be the cross-helicity density. The ideal magnetohydrodynamic induction equation implies . Dotting the momentum equation with eliminates the Lorentz force density, since it is perpendicular to the magnetic field. The material derivative of is therefore
Using for specific enthalpy and specific entropy , together with Gauss's law for magnetism, converts this to
The source vanishes when magnetic field lines lie in constant-specific entropy surfaces, in particular in a homentropic flow. Integrating over a volume conserves its total cross-helicity only if the boundary flux also vanishes. This local law is derived in Ogilvie's astrophysical fluid dynamics notes.

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