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An experimental and numerical investigation into the vertical dependence of Taylor-columns generated by a rotating disc
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Vlaskamp, Jozef H. A. (2011) An experimental and numerical investigation into the vertical dependence of Taylor-columns generated by a rotating disc. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.
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WRAP_THESIS_Vlaskamp_2011.pdf - Submitted Version Download (52Mb) | Preview |
Official URL: http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b2585110~S1
Abstract
The presence of strong background rotation changes the dynamics of the
fluid dramatically. The Taylor-Proudman theorem states that no variation
in the velocity field may exist parallel to the axis of rotation when
geostrophy applies. One of the most important implications of the Taylor-
Proudman theorem is the presence of Taylor-Columns around solid objects
moving in the fluid. The study presented here considers the Taylor-
Columns generated by a differentially rotating disc located on the axis of
rotation of a rotating fluid. The Taylor-Column rotates at an angular velocity
intermediate to the disc and the tank, and is bounded by a vertical
free shear layer. The large turntable at the University of Warwick allows
a series of unique experiments to be performed in very deep water at high
h/r, with h the water depth and r the disc radius.
A direct numerical simulation has been performed in spherical geometry,
at h/r of 5,10 and 20 and Ekman numbers of 10-5 < E < 10-2. The results
show the classic solution with no vertical dependence as predicted by the
Taylor-Proudman theorem.
For the experimental investigation, a fully automated, traverse mounted
stereo-PIV system has been developed which provides data-acquisition at
different heights in the Taylor-Column. This allows investigation of the
vertical dependence of the flow. Experiments have been performed with
E~10-3 and h/r = 80. For positive differential disc rotation, a vertical
dependence in the angular velocity was found, contradicting the Taylor-
Proudman theorem and the numerical predictions. For negative differential
rotation, this vertical dependence was not found. Stratification due to
temperature gradients in the flow are suggested as a possible cause for the
observed discrepancy.
Item Type: | Thesis (PhD) | ||||
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Subjects: | Q Science > QA Mathematics T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) |
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Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Fluid dynamics, Rotational motion, Rotating masses of fluid | ||||
Official Date: | April 2011 | ||||
Dates: |
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Institution: | University of Warwick | ||||
Theses Department: | School of Engineering | ||||
Thesis Type: | PhD | ||||
Publication Status: | Unpublished | ||||
Supervisor(s)/Advisor: | Thomas, P. J. (Peter J.) | ||||
Extent: | xvi, 150 leaves : illustrations, charts | ||||
Language: | eng |
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