Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2018 iii Paper 314 4 a Solution Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-05
For an axisymmetric vector field, write . Pure differential rotation givesThis vector has no azimuthal component and is independent of , so its curl has zero radial and vertical components. Its azimuthal component isThe final braces are by Gauss's law for magnetism. The ideal magnetohydrodynamic induction equation therefore yields axisymmetric magnetic winding:Differential rotation creates a toroidal magnetic field from the fixed poloidal magnetic field. A stationary field under the same purely rotational assumptions requires Ferraro's law of isorotation, .