Abstract:
We generalize an analogy between rotating and stratified shear flows. This analogy is summarized in Table 1. We use this analogy in the unstable case (centrifugally unstable flow vs. convection) to compute the torque in Taylor-Couette configuration, as a function of the Reynolds number. At low Reynolds numbers, when most of the dissipation comes from the mean flow, we predict that the non-dimensional torque G = T/ν2 L, where L is the cylinder length, scales with Reynolds number R and gap width η, G = 1.46η3/2(1 - η)-7/4 R 3/2. At larger Reynolds number, velocity fluctuations become non-negligible in the dissipation. In these regimes, there is no exact power law dependence the torque versus Reynolds. Instead, we obtain logarithmic corrections to the classical ultra-hard (exponent 2) regimes: G = 0.50 . These predictions are found to be in excellent agreement with avail-able experimental data. Predictions for scaling of velocity fluctuations are also provided.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received 7 June 2001 and Received in final form 7 December 2001
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dubrulle, B., Hersant, F. Momentum transport and torque scaling in Taylor-Couette flow from an analogy with turbulent convection. Eur. Phys. J. B 26, 379–386 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e20020103
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e20020103