Nonlinear Stability of Laboratory Quasi-Keplerian Flows
Authors: E.M. Edlund and H. Ji
Abstract:
Experiments in a modified Taylor-Couette device reveal the nonlinear stability of astrophysically relevant, quasi-Keplerian flows spanning Reynolds numbers of 105 to greater than 106. Over a narrow range of operating parameters, rotation profiles approaching the ideal limit expected in the absence of axial boundaries are created. Deviations from this optimal control space identify unstable boundary layers as the source of volume-filling turbulence, clarifying controversies from prior studies regarding measurements of angular momentum transport. By applying externally controllable perturbations we demonstrate the robustly quiescent nature of laboratory quasi-Keplerian flows.
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To be published in Physical Review Letters
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Download PPPL-4947 (pdf 1.7 MB 5 pp)
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