Area and axial flow variations on rectilinear vortex tubes are considered. The state of the flow is characterized by two dependent variables, a core area, and an azimuthal circulation per unit length, which vary in time and in distance along the length of the tube. Nonlinear integrodifferential equations of motion for these variables are derived by taking certain integrals of the vorticity transport equation. The equations are argued to be valid for moderately short waves (on the order of a few core radii) as well as for long waves. Applications to vortex breakdown and other wave phenomena are considered
