Propagation of the Velocity Shear Front in Spin-up From Rest in a Cut-Cone

Abstract

The behavior of the dominant azimuthal velocity field during spin-up from rest of a homogeneous fluid in a cut-cone is investigated. The fundamental mechanism of spin-up process is recapitulated. In line with the classical flow model of Wedemeyer, the importance of the meridional circulation, driven by the Ekman layers, is stressed. The experimental apparatus, together with the image processing technique of the visualized flow data, is described. The reliability and accuracy of this experimental method are validated by performing parallel measurements using an LDV system. The experimental results clearly indicate that the azimuthal velocity shear front propagates faster as the incline angle of the side wall decreases. In the rotating zone of the interior, the azimuthal velocities are larger in magnitude in a cut-cone than in a circular cylinder of comparable size. Plausible physical explanations are offered, and the experimental observations are supportive of these physical arguments.