arXiv · 2602.04377
On regularity estimates for the axially symmetric Navier-Stokes Cauchy problem and the critical-wedge occurrence problem
Abstract
We consider the Cauchy problem for the axially symmetric Navier-Stokes equations in R^3. Our aim is to derive estimates for the scaled vorticity components Phi = omega_r/r and Gamma = omega_phi/r, measured in the energy norm X(t). The original closure mechanism depends on the relation between the L^s norm and the L-infinity norm of the angular velocity component v_phi. We identify a critical wedge in the corresponding phase geometry, defined through a smoothly localized velocity profile near the axis of symmetry. The main result is a conditional a priori estimate in which the possible loss of control is measured by the nonlinear interaction accumulated during the times belonging to the critical wedge. In particular, if the critical-wedge contribution vanishes, the residual-free a priori estimate depending only on the data is recovered. Under additional regularity assumptions on the force and the initial velocity, we derive the corresponding higher-order Sobolev estimate on every finite time interval on which the wedge residual remains controlled. The result does not provide an unconditional global regularity theorem; rather, it isolates the only concentration regime not controlled by the two original closure mechanisms.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Wiesław J. Grygierzec, Wojciech M. Zajączkowski. 2026-02-04. On regularity estimates for the axially symmetric Navier-Stokes Cauchy problem and the critical-wedge occurrence problem. https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.04377
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.