Journal article
Bifurcations of a creeping air–water flow in a conical container
Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark1
Mathematics, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark2
Office for Study Programmes and Student Affairs, Administration, Technical University of Denmark3
University of Seville4
Shtern Research and Consulting5
This numerical study describes the eddy emergence and transformations in a slow steady axisymmetric air–water flow, driven by a rotating top disk in a vertical conical container. As water height (Formula presented.) and cone half-angle (Formula presented.) vary, numerous flow metamorphoses occur. They are investigated for (Formula presented.), and (Formula presented.).
For small (Formula presented.), the air flow is multi-cellular with clockwise meridional circulation near the disk. The air flow becomes one cellular as (Formula presented.) exceeds a threshold depending on (Formula presented.). For all (Formula presented.), the water flow has an unbounded number of eddies whose size and strength diminish as the cone apex is approached.
As the water level becomes close to the disk, the outmost water eddy with clockwise meridional circulation expands, reaches the interface, and induces a thin layer with anticlockwise circulation in the air. Then this layer expands and occupies the entire air domain. The physical reasons for the flow transformations are provided.
The results are of fundamental interest and can be relevant for aerial bioreactors.
Language: | English |
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Publisher: | Springer Berlin Heidelberg |
Year: | 2016 |
Pages: | 485-496 |
ISSN: | 14322250 and 09354964 |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.1007/s00162-016-0391-z |
ORCIDs: | Brøns, Morten |