GENERALIZED RELAXATION THEORY AND VORTICES IN PLASMAS

We present a generalization of the relaxation theory based on the cano nical momentum of each species fluid in a multicomponent plasma. The g eneralized helicity, as a topological quantity, has a life-time larger than the lifetime of the energy. We then propose a simple variational principle that suggests the existence of vortex structures. We study localized solutions, assuming the existence of a separatrix. Two-dimen sional and three-dimensional solutions are studied for an electron-pos itron-proton plasma. Ideal magnetohydrodynamic three-dimensional local ized vortices are studied as well. Possible cosmological implications are discussed.