Effect of the number of vortices on the torque scaling in Taylor–Couette flow

• Published in: Journal of fluid mechanics Vol. 748; pp. 756 - 767
• Main Authors: Martínez-Arias, B., Peixinho, J., Crumeyrolle, O., Mutabazi, I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 10.06.2014; Cambridge University Press (CUP)
• Subjects: Exact sciences and technology; Fluid dynamics; Fluid mechanics; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Hydrodynamic stability; Instability of shear flows; Physics; Reynolds number; Turbulence; Vortices; rotating turbulence; Taylor–Couette flow; Torque; Test facilities; Taylor vortex; Turbulent flow; Annular space; Scaling laws; Couette flow; Rotating cylinder; Experimental study; Aspect ratio
• ISSN: 0022-1120; 1469-7645
• DOI: 10.1017/jfm.2014.213

Torque measurements in Taylor–Couette flow, with large radius ratio and large aspect ratio, over a range of velocities up to a Reynolds number of 24 000 are presented. Following a specific procedure, nine states with distinct numbers of vortices along the axis were found and the aspect ratios of the vortices were measured. The relationship between the speed and the torque for a given number of vortices is reported. In the turbulent Taylor vortex flow regime, at relatively high Reynolds number, a change in behaviour is observed corresponding to intersections of the torque–speed curves for different states. Before each intersection, the torque for a state with a larger number of vortices is higher. After each intersection, the torque for a state with a larger number of vortices is lower. The exponent, from the scaling laws of the torque, always depends on the aspect ratio of the vortices. When the Reynolds number is rescaled using the mean aspect ratio of the vortices, only a partial collapse of the exponent data is found.