Vortex layers in the small viscosity limit

Abstract

In this paper we suppose that the initial datum for the 2D Navier–Stokes equations are of the vortex layer type, in the sense that there is a rapid variation in the tangential component across a curve. The variation occurs through a distance which is of the same order of the square root of the viscosity. Assuming the initial as well the matching (with the outer flow) data analytic, we show that our model equations are well posed. Another necessary assumption is that the radius of curvature of the curve is much larger than the thickness of the layer.