Nonlinear vortex development in rotating flows

We present the results of a combined experimental and numerical investigation into steady secondary vortex flows confined between two concentric right circular cylinders. When the flow is driven by the symmetric rotation of both end walls and the inner cylinder, toroidal vortex structures arise through the creation of stagnation points (in the meridional plane) at the inner bounding cylinder or on the mid-plane of symmetry. A detailed description of the flow regimes is presented, suggesting that a cascade of such vortices can be created. Experimental results are reported, which visualize some of the new states and confirm the prediction that they are stable to (mid-plane) symmetry-breaking perturbations.We also present some brief results for the flows driven by the rotation of a single end wall. Vortex structures may also be observed at low Reynolds numbers in this geometry. We show that standard flow visualization methods lead to some interesting non-axisymmetric particle paths in this case. © 2007 The Royal Society.