Effects of free surface and aspect ratio on the transition of the Taylor–Couette flow

This work deals with the study of free surface and aspect ratio effects on the instability of the Taylor–Couette flow. The experimental results have been obtained using the polarographic technique. The time-averaged values of the wall velocity gradient have been determined and the spectral analysis of its fluctuations has been done. These first results show the existence of a critical height <f>Hc</f> of the liquid column. For an aspect ratio <f>Γ=H/d<10</f>, the laminar turbulent transition occurs without azimuthal wave mode. To cite this article: A. Madamdia et al., C. R. Mecanique 331 (2003). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]