SOLITONS IN (2-DIMENSIONS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS IN VORTEX DYNAMICS(0))

Globally smooth, exact solutions of inviscid, two-dimensional vortex d ynamics are derived by exploiting techniques from soliton theory. The Stuart and Mallier-Maslowe vortices are rederived using the Hirota met hod and a 2-soliton solution. A 3-soliton expansion yields a complex f low pattern. Doubly periodic arrays of vortices are expressed in terms of elliptic and theta functions. The implications and interpretations in the dynamics of shear flows are discussed.