Helmholtz's seminal paper on vortex motion (1858) marks the beginning of what is now called topological fluid mechanics.After 150 years of work, the field has grown considerably. In the last several decades unexpected developments have given topological fluid mechanics new impetus, benefiting from the impressive progress in knot theory and geometric topology on the one hand, and in mathematical and computational fluid dynamics on the other.

This volume contains a wide-ranging collection of up-to-date, valuable research papers written by some of the most eminent experts in the field. Topics range from fundamental aspects of mathematical fluid mechanics, including topological vortex dynamics and magnetohydrodynamics, integrability issues, Hamiltonian structures and singularity formation, to DNA tangles and knotted DNAs in sedimentation. A substantial introductory chapter on knots and links, covering elements of modern braid theory and knot polynomials, as well as more advanced topics in knot classification, provides an invaluable addition to this material.

Leading experts present a unique, invaluable introduction to the study of the geometry and typology of fluid flows. From basic motions on curves and surfaces to the recent developments in knots and links, the reader is gradually led to explore the fascinating world of geometric and topological fluid mechanics. Geodesics and chaotic orbits, magnetic knots and vortex links, continual flows and singularities become alive with more than 160 figures and examples. In the opening article, H. K. Moffatt sets the pace, proposing eight outstanding problems for the 21st century. The book goes on to provide concepts and techniques for tackling these and many other interesting open problems.

Leading experts present a unique, invaluable introduction to the study of the geometry and typology of fluid flows. From basic motions on curves and surfaces to the recent developments in knots and links, the reader is gradually led to explore the fascinating world of geometric and topological fluid mechanics. Geodesics and chaotic orbits, magnetic knots and vortex links, continual flows and singularities become alive with more than 160 figures and examples. In the opening article, H. K. Moffatt sets the pace, proposing eight outstanding problems for the 21st century. The book goes on to provide concepts and techniques for tackling these and many other interesting open problems.