Thermal Effect on Taylor-Couette Flow Dynamics

Abstract

In this chapter, we experimentally and numerically reviewed Taylor-Couette flow dynamics with an axial temperature distribution. In experiments, the glycerol aqueous solution with various concentrations was used. Flow pattern observation and temperature measurement were performed. Based on the results, we classified the flow pattern into six cases as a function of Reynolds and Grashof numbers. In the specified case (denoted as Case II in this chapter), the Taylor vortex flow and heat convection alternatively appeared. In this condition, when switching from the Taylor vortex flow to heat convection, heat/mass was rapidly transferred. Using numerical simulation, the fluid flow and heat transfer in Case II were investigated. As a result, an average Nusselt number in Case II was quite large compared with that in the stable Taylor vortex flow regime (higher Re case). Therefore, heat transfer augmentation with lower power input is expected if the interaction between the Taylor vortex flow and heat transfer is applied.