Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2006 iii Paper 70 2 c Solution Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-14
For fixed volume define and . Differentiate and use the ideal magnetohydrodynamic induction equation. The vector identitythen gives the general balanceThe volume term is the work done by the magnetic force on the fluid, with the opposite sign for magnetic energy. Under the force-free assumption of part (b), it vanishes, leaving the requested boundary expression. Without that assumption, or another reason for zero net Lorentz work, a boundary-only balance is not generally valid.
For an axisymmetric boundary its normal has no azimuthal component. The differential rotation is tangential, so , and . Therefore . A thin axisymmetric tube between neighboring flux labels carries flux . Its exit endpoint contributes and its entry endpoint contributes . Pair the endpoints, counting each once, to obtainThe endpoint convention fixes the sign. Include each connected tube segment through once; a field line with no boundary crossing contributes nothing. This is magnetic-energy injection by differential boundary rotation. A common angular velocity at both ends produces no such injection.