A comprehensive study of geometric and topological properties of torus knots and unknots is presented. Torus knots/unknots are particularly symmetric, closed, space curves, that wrap the surface of a mathematical torus a number of times in the longitudinal and meridian direction. By using a standard parametrization, new results on local and global properties are found. In particular, we demonstrate the existence of inflection points for a given critical aspect ratio, determine the location and prescribe the regularization condition to remove the local singularity associated with torsion. Since to first approximation total length grows linearly with the number of coils, its nondimensional counterpart is proportional to the topological crossing number of the knot type. We analyze several global geometric quantities, such as total curvature, writhing number, total torsion, and geometric 'energies' given by total squared curvature and torsion, in relation to knot complexity measured by the winding number. We conclude with a brief presentation of research topics, where geometric and topological information on torus knots/unknots finds useful application.

The induction effects due to a steady source field in the shape of a torus knot or unknot filament are analysed in detail. Similar studies for rectilinear, circular or helical geometries have been done in the past, but very little is known for more complex geometries and topologies. Torus knots provide a rare example of closed, space curves of non-trivial topology, that admit a mathematically simple description; for this reason they represent an interesting case study to consider. Moreover, since torus knots are also a good mathematical model for studying braided field line structures, the present work provides useful information for a wide range of possible applications, from physical sciences (solar physics and astrophysics, vortex dynamics, fusion physics) to technology (telecommunication, new materials design, data analysis). The work is organized in 4 chapters.In chapter 1 we present a comprehensive study of geometric and topological properties of torus knots and unknots. By using a standard parametrization, we demonstrate the existence, and determine the location, of inflection points for a given critical configuration, and prescribe the condition for removing the singularity associated with torsion at the inflection point. We show that, to first approximation, total length grows linearly with the number of coils, and it is proportional to the minimum crossing number of the knot type. By taking the winding number, given by the ratio between meridian and longitudinal wraps, as measure of topological complexity of the knot, we analyse its influence on several global quantities, such as total length, curvature, torsion and writhe.In chapter 2 we analyse the influence of the winding number and other geometric properties on induction, energy and helicity. This is done by assuming the physical filament of infinitesimally small cross-section and by using the Biot-Savart law adapted for the particular parametrization chosen. Field line patterns of the induced field are obtained for a large family of knots/unknots on several crosssectional planes. The intensity of the induced field is shown to depend linearly on the number of toroidal coils. We provide bounds on energy, and an estimate of helicity in terms of writhe.In chapter 3 we compare local and global induction contributions in relation to the winding number, by providing asymptotic expansions of the integrand function. We show that in general local leading order terms are not sufficient to provide accurate global information; nevertheless, for some values of the winding number local and global behaviours are found to be in good agreement.In chapter 4 we investigate the influence of the winding number on the binormal component of the self-induction a point asymptotically near to the source field. Since in the limit the Biot-Savart integral becomes singular, we apply the analytical prescription of Moore and Saffman (1972) to regularize it. While to leading order the self-induction is proportional to local curvature, we derive an integral formula for nex...

By considering steady magnetic fields in the shape of torus knots and unknots in ideal magnetohydrodynamics, we compute some fundamental geometric and physical properties to provide estimates for magnetic energy and helicity. By making use of an appropriate parametrization, we show that knots with dominant toroidal coils that are a good model for solar coronal loops have negligible total torsion contribution to magnetic helicity while writhing number provides a good proxy. Hence, by the algebraic definition of writhe based on crossing numbers, we show that the estimated values of writhe based on image analysis provide reliable information for the exact values of helicity. We also show that magnetic energy is linearly related to helicity, and the effect of the confinement of magnetic field can be expressed in terms of geometric information. These results can find useful application in solar and plasma physics, where braided structures are often present.

In this paper we determine the effects of winding number on the dynamics of vortex torus knots and unknots in the context of classical, ideal fluid mechanics. We prove that the winding number — a topological invariant of torus knots — has a primary effect on vortex motion. This is done by applying the Moore-Saffman desingularization technique to the full Biot-Savart induction law, determining the influence of winding number on the 3 components of the induced velocity. Results have been obtained for 56 knots and unknots up to 51 crossings. In agreement with previous numerical results we prove that in general the propagation speed increases with the number of toroidal coils, but we notice that the number of poloidal coils may greatly modify the motion. Indeed we prove that for increasing aspect ratio and number of poloidal coils vortex motion can be even reversed, in agreement with previous numerical observations. These results demonstrate the importance of three-dimensional features in vortex dynamics and find useful applications to understand helicity and energy transfers across scales in vortical flows.