Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 10, 2026

Magnetically Induced Rotating Rayleigh-Taylor Instability
Published on: March 3, 2017
Dynamics of axially localized states in Taylor-Couette flows
Jose M Lopez1,2, Francisco Marques2
1Institute of Fluid Mechanics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany.
Abstract:
We present numerical simulations of the flow confined in a wide gap Taylor-Couette system, with a rotating inner cylinder and variable length-to-gap aspect ratio. A complex experimental bifurcation scenario differing from the classical Ruelle-Takens route to chaos has been experimentally reported in this geometry. The wavy vortex flow becomes quasiperiodic due to an axisymmetric very low frequency mode. This mode plays a key role in the dynamics of the system, leading to the occurrence of chaos via a period-doubling scenario. Further increasing the rotation of the inner cylinder results in the appearance of a new flow pattern which is characterized by large amplitude oscillations localized in some of the vortex pairs. The purpose of this paper is to study numerically the dynamics of these axially localized states, paying special attention to the transition to chaos. Frequency analysis from time series simultaneously recorded at several points has been applied in order to identify the flow transitions taking place. It has been found that the very low frequency mode is essential to explain the behavior associated with the different transitions towards chaos including localized states.
More Related Videos
08:25Measurements of Local Instantaneous Convective Heat Transfer in a Pipe - Single and Two-phase Flow
Published on: April 30, 2018
11:00Experimental Investigation of Secondary Flow Structures Downstream of a Model Type IV Stent Failure in a 180° Curved Artery Test Section
Published on: July 19, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Couette Flow
Steady, Laminar Flow in Circular Tubes
Laminar and Turbulent Flow
Thin-Walled Hollow Shafts
Navier–Stokes Equations
Bernoulli's Equation for Flow Along a Streamline