Use the complex potential of a two-dimensional potential flow convention , for which . A positive circulation is counterclockwise. The two point vortices and the two-dimensional point sink giveBranch choices change additive constants, not the local velocity field. A vortex is transported by the nonsingular velocity due to the other vortex and the sink; its own singular term is omitted. At this givesThe other vortex follows by symmetry. Put , with and . Multiplication by givesFor , integration yieldsEquivalently, with ,The curves obey , so they are logarithmic spirals. At , both vortices reach the sink at the origin. For nonzero circulation they make infinitely many turns in that finite time; for zero circulation they approach radially. The point-vortex evolution becomes singular at capture, so the formula does not define a regular continuation through the event.
Two-dimensional point sink 2026-10-31
A two-dimensional point sink of strength removes volume flux per unit depth at . Its complex potential of a two-dimensional potential flow is the displayed expression, so . The radial velocity is : integrating over a circle gives outward flux . This is the planar cross-section of a line sink. A passive particle satisfies and reaches the ideal point singularity in finite time. This is a flow singularity, distinct from a stable sink equilibrium of a regular dynamical system.
