Symmetrization of 2D Vortices by Beat-Wave Damping

Abstract
Magnetized electron columns evolve in (r,θ) as 2D vortices in an incompressible inviscid fluid. Over a wide range of parameters, beat-wave resonance damping is observed to be the dominant vortex symmetrization mechanism. In this process, a (Kelvin or diocotron) surface wave decays to another surface wave of longer wavelength, with concomitant transport of vorticity.