This book is a comprehensive and intensive book for graduate students in fluid dynamics as well as scientists, engineers and applied mathematicians. Offering a systematic introduction to the physical theory of vortical flows at graduate level, it considers the theory of vortical flows as a branch of fluid dynamics focusing onshearing processin fluid motion, measured byvorticity.

It studies vortical flows according to their natural evolution stages,from being generated to dissipated. As preparation, the first three chapters of the book provide background knowledge for entering vortical flows.

The rest of the book deals with vortices and vortical flows, following their natural evolution stages. Of various vortices the primary form islayer-like vorticesorshear layers, and secondary but stronger form isaxial vorticesmainly formed by the rolling up of shear layers.

 Problems are given at the end of each chapter and Appendix, some for helping understanding the basic theories, and some involving specific applications; but the emphasis of both is always on physical thinking.

Fundamental Theories.- Fundamental Processes in Fluid Motion.- Vorticity Kinematics..- Fundamentals of Vorticity Dynamics.- Typical vortex solutions.- Force and Moment of Vortical Flow to Solid Bodies.- Special Topics.- Separated Vortex Flows.- Vortex Filament, Vortex Systems, and Interactions.- Vortical Flow Stability.- Vortical Structures in Transitional and Turbulent Shear Layers.- Wave-Vortex Interactions and Vortical-Flow Control