Ryuji Takaki
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan E-mail address: takaki@cc.tuat.ac.jp
(Received August 19, 2002; Accepted October 31, 2002)
Keywords: Reconnection, Vortex Filaments, Dissipative Effect, Topology Change, Line Singularities
Abstract. Reconnection process of line singularities in the viscous fluid is explained and possible interpretations on its mechanism are given. Reconnection processes in various other physical systems are also explained, such as the vortex filaments in the superfluid, the disclinations in liquid crystals and the magnetic lines in plasmas. Similarities among these processes are suggested. It is emphasized that dissipative effects within the narrow region where the reconnection is taking place is essential for its occurrence.