Statistical mechanics of two-dimensional Euler equations and Jupiter's great red spot

Author: Miller, Jonathan

Year: 1991

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Cross, Michael Clifford

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Physics

DOI: 10.7907/R250-6482

Abstract

For the first time, we construct a statistical mechanics for the two-dimensional Euler fluid which respects all conservation laws. We derive mean-field equations for the equilibrium, and show that they are exact. Our methods ought to apply to a wide variety of Hamiltonian systems possessing an infinite family of Casimirs. We illustrate our theory by a comparison to numerical simulations of Jupiter's Great Red Spot.

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