Evidence of a cyclonic regime in a precessing cylindrical container

TL;DR

This study experimentally investigates flow regimes in a precessing cylindrical container, revealing a transition from differential rotation to persistent cyclonic vortices as the precession-to-rotation frequency ratio increases.

Contribution

It provides new experimental evidence of flow regime transitions, including cyclonic vortex formation, in precessing cylinders, expanding understanding of precession-driven hydrodynamics.

Findings

Identification of various flow regimes based on the precession-to-rotation ratio

Observation of differential rotation at low ratios

Detection of permanent cyclonic vortices at higher ratios

Abstract

We report experimental observations obtained by particule image velocimetry (PIV) of the behavior of a flow driven by rotation and precession of a cylindrical container. Various hydrodynamical regimes are identified according to the value of the control parameter which is the ratio of the precession frequency to the rotation frequency. In particular when this parameter is increased from small values, we have observed an induced differential rotation followed by the apparition of permanent cyclonic vortices.