Dynamics of symplectic fluids and point vortices

We present the Hamiltonian formalism for the Euler equation of symplectic fluids, introduce symplectic vorticity, and study related invariants. In particular, this allows one to extend D.Ebin's long-time existence result for geodesics on the symplectomorphism group to metrics not necessarily compatible with the symplectic structure. We also study the dynamics of symplectic point vortices, describe their symmetry groups and integrability.Comment: 12 page

Asymptotic directions, Monge-Ampere equations and the geometry of diffeomorphism groups

In this note we obtain the characterization for asymptotic directions on various subgroups of the diffeomorphism group. We give a simple proof of non-existence of such directions for area-preserving diffeomorphisms of closed surfaces of non-zero curvature. Finally, we exhibit the common origin of the Monge-Ampere equations in 2D fluid dynamics and mass transport.Comment: 10 pages, 1 fig., to appear in J. of Math. Fluid Mechanic

Shock waves for the Burgers equation and curvatures of diffeomorphism groups

We establish a simple relation between curvatures of the group of volume-preserving diffeomorphisms and the lifespan of potential solutions to the inviscid Burgers equation before the appearance of shocks. We show that shock formation corresponds to a focal point of the group of volume-preserving diffeomorphisms regarded as a submanifold of the full diffeomorphism group and, consequently, to a conjugate point along a geodesic in the Wasserstein space of densities. This establishes an intrinsic connection between ideal Euler hydrodynamics (via Arnold's approach), shock formation in the multidimensional Burgers equation and the Wasserstein geometry of the space of densities.Comment: 11 pages, 2 figure