Rectifiability of divergence-free fields along invariant 2-tori

Abstract

We find conditions under which the restriction of a divergence-free vector field B to an invariant toroidal surface S is rectifiable; namely constant in a suitable global coordinate system. The main results are similar in conclusion to Arnold’s Structure Theorems but require weaker assumptions than the commutation [B,nabla times B] = 0. Relaxing the need for a first integral of B (also known as a flux function), we assume the existence of a solution u: S rightarrow {mathbb {R}} to the cohomological equation Bvert _S(u) = partial _n B on a toroidal surface S mutually invariant to B and nabla times B. The right hand side partial _n B is a normal surface derivative available to vector fields tangent to S. In this situation, we show that the field B on S is either identically zero or nowhere zero with Bvert _S/Vert BVert ^2 vert _S being rectifiable. We are calling the latter the semi-rectifiability of B (with proportionality Vert BVert ^2 vert _S). The nowhere zero property relies on Bers’ results in pseudo-analytic function theory about a generalised Laplace-Beltrami equation arising from Witten cohomology deformation. With the use of de Rham cohomology, we also point out a Diophantine integral condition where one can conclude that Bvert _S itself is rectifiable. The rectifiability and semi-rectifiability of Bvert _S is fundamental to the so-called magnetic coordinates, which are central to the theory of magnetically confined plasmas.