Self-Generation of Cells in a Two-Fluid Swirling Flow.

This experimental study addresses a flow of glycerin-water solution and sunflower oil in a sealed vertical cylinder. The motion is driven by the rotating upper disk while other walls are stationary. The disk rotation drives the meridional circulation of the upper fluid. The fluid goes from the rotation axis to the periphery near the rotating disk and back near the interface. This centrifugal circulation of the upper fluid tends to propel the counter-circulation of the lower fluid. On the other hand, the swirling motion at the interface tends to propel the co-circulation of the lower fluid. As the rotation intensifies, these two competing factors result in the development of new cells and layers in the lower fluid. This work provides the first experimental evidence of the self-generation and transformations of these flow structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]