Relativistic vortex dynamics in axisymmetric stationary perfect fluid configuration

Relativistic formulation of Helmholtz’s vorticity transport equation is presented on the basis of Maxwell-like version of Euler’s equation of motion. Entangled characteristics associated with vorticity flux conservation in a vortex tube and in a stream tube are displayed on basis of Greenberg’s theory of spacelike congruence of vortex lines and \(1+1+(2)\) decomposition of the gradient of fluid’s 4-velocity. Vorticity flux surfaces are surfaces of revolution about the rotation axis and are rotating with fluid’s angular velocity due to gravitational isorotation in a stationary axisymmetric perfect fluid configuration. Fluid’s angular velocity, angular momentum per baryon, injection energy, and invariant rotational potential are constant on such vorticity flux surfaces. Gravitation causes distortion of coaxial cylindrical vorticity flux surfaces in the limit of post-Newtonian approximation. The rotation of the fluid with angular velocity relative to vorticity flux surfaces generates swirl which causes the stretching of material vortex lines being wrapped on vorticity flux surfaces. Fluid helicity which is conserved in the fluid’s rest frame does not remain conserved in a locally nonrotating frame because of the existence of swirl. Vortex lines are twist free in the absence of meridional circulations, but the twisting of spacetime due to dragging effect leads to the increase in vorticity flux in a vortex tube.