Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2019 / iii / Paper 314 / 1

Let $D/Dt={\partial }_t+\mathbf{u}\cdot \nabla$ be the material derivative, and write $h$ for specific enthalpy. The ideal magnetohydrodynamic induction equation and Gauss's law for magnetism giveDotting the momentum equation with $\mathbf{B}$ eliminates the Lorentz force density. Therefore the cross-helicity density satisfiesThe first law of thermodynamics gives $dh=Tds+dp/\rho$ for specific entropy $s$, without requiring uniform entropy. ConsequentlySince $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{B}=0$, the first term on the right is a divergence. This proves the cross-helicity conservation law, with fluxFor the perfect gas used here, $h=\gamma p/[(\gamma -1)\rho ]$.

The calculation in part (a) leaves the cross-helicity conservation law sourceAt positive temperature, this vanishes exactly when the magnetic field is tangent to constant-specific entropy surfaces: $\mathbf{B}\cdot \nabla s=0$. A homentropic flow is a sufficient special case; uniform entropy throughout space is not necessary. Mere advection of specific entropy, $Ds/Dt=0$, constrains its variation along the velocity rather than along the magnetic field, so it does not by itself eliminate this source. To conserve total cross-helicity in a volume, the net boundary flux must also vanish.

For uniform specific entropy, the material conservation of cross-helicity density criterion isThus the requested condition isIn the steady state, mass conservation gives $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{u}=-\mathbf{u}\cdot \nabla \log \rho$. An equivalent form, expressed entirely in the flow and thermodynamic variables, isIf “isentropic” means only constant specific entropy along individual trajectories, rather than a homentropic flow, the general criterion instead retains $T\mathbf{B}\cdot \nabla s$ on the right-hand side of the material derivative equation. The distinction matters because a source-free cross-helicity conservation law need not make $h_c$ constant along each trajectory.