Experimental investigation and velocity statistics in a Taylor-Couette facility

Abstract

The flow between two rotating and concentric cylinders is defined as Taylor-Couette Flow. This configuration has been widely studied theoretically, numerically and experimentally because of its relative simplicity and for the implications it can bear in geophysical and industrial applications. In this work, we developed numerical tools to analyse the experimental data obtained via laser doppler anemometry technique. We performed experiments at low Reynolds number and investigated the regime transition. We analyzed the data in terms of both mean and time dependent quantities and we characterise the transition. In particular, we characterise the time-dependent flow by means of Fourier analysis. Data are processed with the codes developed in this work, which allowed an accurate comparison of the results obtained in correspondence of different Reynolds and Taylor numbers, i.e. different velocities. Data are processed with in house codes, which allowed an accurate comparison of the results obtained in correspondence of different Reynolds numbers, i.e. different velocities. Finally, we provide indications for future investigations with the aim of extending the regimes currently observed.