Measurements of small radius ratio turbulent Taylor-Couette flow

Abstract

In Taylor-Couette flow, the radius ratio (η = ri/ro) is one of the key parameters of the system. For small η, the asymmetry of the inner and outer boundary layer becomes more important, affecting the general flow structure and boundary layer characteristics. Using high-resolution particle image velocimetry we measure flow profiles for a radius ratio of 0.5 and Taylor number of up to 6.2 · 109. By measuring at varying heights, roll structures are characterized for two different rotation ratios of the inner and outer cylinder. In addition, we investigate how the turbulent bursts coming from the inner and outer cylinder affect the flow profiles. These results exemplify how curvature affects flow in strongly turbulent Taylor-Couette Flow