Direct numerical simulation of turbulent Taylor–Couette flow

Abstract

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) is used to investigate turbulent Taylor–Couette (TC) flow. A simulation was run for a Reynolds number of 3200 in an apparatus with a radius ratio of η = 0.617 and an aspect ratio of 4.58, which assumed a vortex pair wavelength of 2.29. Results reported include the mean velocity, velocity fluctuation intensities, Reynolds stress budgets, and visualizations of the instantaneous velocity fluctuation field. Secondary near-wall vortex pairs are observed near to the cylinder in addition to the Taylor vortex (TV) motion. Weaker evidence of secondary vortices is found at the outer cylinder where a banded structure has been identified. The azimuthal wall shear stress component shows large peaks and valleys at stagnation points on the surface of both cylinders where flow from neighbouring vortices impacts on the respective wall. These stagnation points correspond to locations where the secondary vortices have been identified. The effect of the mean TV motion is reflected in the Reynolds stress budgets which are similar to but more complex than those of two-dimensional boundary layers. Visualization of the turbulent velocity fluctuations reveals near-wall streaks at the inner cylinder.