Low-order models of 2D fluid flow in annulus

TL;DR

This paper develops low-order Galerkin models to analyze 2D viscous incompressible fluid flow in an annular domain, revealing two distinct stationary azimuthally precessing flow regimes under rapid inner circle rotation.

Contribution

It introduces specific low-order models for annular flow and identifies two novel flow regimes with precession behavior at high rotation speeds.

Findings

Identification of two stationary precessing flow regimes

Observation of vorticity concentration and jet-like structures

Validation of models against experimental phenomena

Abstract

The two-dimensional flow of viscous incompressible fluid in the domain between two concentric circles is investigated numerically. To solve the problem, the low-order Galerkin models are used. When the inner circle rotates fast enough, two axially asymmetric flow regimes are observed. Both regimes are the stationary flows precessing in azimuthal direction. First flow represents the region of concentrated vorticity. Another flow is the jet-like structure similar to one discovered earlier in Vladimirov's experiments.