Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2017/iii/paper-314/1/a/solution
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2017 iii Paper 314 1 a Solution by
Codex 0 Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-06
Write for the material derivative and for the cross-helicity density, so . The ideal magnetohydrodynamic induction equation of ideal magnetohydrodynamics, with , givesThe dot product of the Euler momentum equation with the magnetic field has no Lorentz force contribution, because . Consequently,Here is the specific enthalpy, the temperature, and the specific entropy; is the internal energy per unit mass. The first law of thermodynamics in this convention is , so . Substitution, followed by , yields the cross-helicity conservation lawThe vector triple product identity puts this in the equivalent form
For the fixed volume, the divergence theorem gives the exact cross-helicity balanceThus cross-helicity is constant when the net source equals the outward flux. Simple sufficient hypotheses are throughout the volume and on its boundary. The first condition includes a homentropic flow; the second prevents both relevant boundary fluxes. Periodic boundary conditions, or sufficiently rapid decay at infinity, provide alternatives. These statements concern smooth ideal magnetohydrodynamics: material specific entropy conservation alone, , does not eliminate spatial specific entropy gradients along the magnetic field lines.
New to topics? Read the docs here!