Taylor vortices in spherical gaps
Abstract
The viscous flow in the gap between concentric spheres was investigated for a rotating inner sphere. The solution to the problem was obtained by solving the Navier-Stokes equations by means of finite-difference techniques. The results of the integration were compared with experimental data. The comparison showed good agreement between measured and calculated torque coefficients. The validity of Kirchgaessner's limit of stability was confirmed through the calculations. Steady and unsteady flow modes were predicted for various Reynolds numbers and gap widths. Examination of the accuracy of the finite-difference solution showed that the equatorial symmetry as well as proper spacing can be of utmost importance for the results calculated.
- Publication:
-
Laminar-Turbulent Transition
- Pub Date:
- 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980ltt..proc..415B
- Keywords:
-
- Computational Fluid Dynamics;
- Concentric Spheres;
- Gaps;
- Rotating Fluids;
- Taylor Instability;
- Viscous Flow;
- Vortices;
- Finite Difference Theory;
- Incompressible Flow;
- Navier-Stokes Equation;
- Reynolds Number;
- Steady Flow;
- Torque;
- Unsteady Flow;
- Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer