Vortices and polynomials: non-uniqueness of the Adler–Moser polynomials for the Tkachenko equation

Stationary and translating relative equilibria of point vortices in the plane are studied. It is shown that stationary equilibria of any system containing point vortices with arbitrary choice of circulations can be described with the help of the Tkachenko equation. It is also obtained that translating relative equilibria of point vortices with arbitrary circulations can be constructed using a generalization of the Tkachenko equation. Roots of any pair of polynomials solving the Tkachenko equation and the generalized Tkachenko equation are proved to give positions of point vortices in stationary and translating relative equilibria accordingly. These results are valid even if the polynomials in a pair have multiple or common roots. It is obtained that the Adler–Moser polynomial provides non-unique polynomial solutions of the Tkachenko equation. It is shown that the generalized Tkachenko equation possesses polynomial solutions with degrees that are not triangular numbers. (paper)