Defn: A line, within a rotating fluid, whose tangent at every point is the instantaneous axis of rotation as that point of the fluid.
VORTEX RING
Vortex ring. (Physics)
Defn: A ring-shaped mass of moving fluid which, by virtue of its motion of rotation around an axis disposed in circular form, attains a more or less distinct separation from the surrounding medium and has many of the properties of a solid.
VORTEX THEORY
Vortex theory. (Chem. & Physics)
Defn: The theory, advanced by Thomson (Lord Kelvin) on the basis of investigation by Helmholtz, that the atoms are vortically moving ring-shaped masses (or masses of other forms having a similar internal motion) of a homogeneous, incompressible, frictionless fluid. Various properties of such atoms (vortex atoms) can be mathematically deduced.
VORTEX TUBE
Vortex tube. (Physics)
Defn: An imaginary tube within a rotating fluid, formed by drawing the vortex lines through all points of a closed curve.
VORTICAL
Vor"ti*cal, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to a vortex or vortexes; resembling a vortex in form or motion; whirling; as, a vortical motion. — Vor"ti*cal*ly, adv.
VORTICEL
Vor"ti*cel, n. Etym: [Cf. F. vorticelle. See Vortex.] (Zoöl.)