Velocity structure functions, scaling, and transitions in high-Reynolds-number Couette-Taylor flow

Flow between concentric cylinders with a rotating inner cylinder is studied for Reynolds numbers in the range: 2x10(3)<R<10(6) (Taylor Reynolds number s, 10<R-lambda<290) for a system with radius ratio eta=0.724. Even at the h ighest Reynolds number studied, the energy spectra do not show power law sc aling (i.e., there is no inertial range), and the dissipation length scale is surprisingly large. Nevertheless, the velocity structure functions calcu lated using extended self-similarity exhibit clear power-law scaling. The s tructure function exponents zeta(p) fit Kolmogorov's log-normal model withi n the experimental uncertainty, zeta(p)=(p/3)[1+(mu/6)(3-p)] (for p less th an or equal to 10) with mu = 0.27. These zeta(p) values are close to those found in other flows. Measurements of torque scaling are presented that are an order of magnitude more accurate than those previously reported [Lathro p et al., Phys Rev. A 46, 6390 (1992)]. Measurements of velocity in the flu id core reveal the presence of azimuthal traveling waves up to the highest Reynolds numbers examined. These waves show evidence of a transition at R-T =1.3x10(4); this transition was observed previously in measurements of torq ue, but our wave velocity and wall shear stress measurements provide the fi rst evidence from local quantities of the transition at R-T. Velocity measu rements indicate that at R-T there is a change in the coherent structures o f the core flour; this is consistent with our analyses of the scaling of th e torque. Our measurements were made at two aspect ratios, and no significa nt dependence on aspect ratio was observable for R>R-T. [S1063-651X(99)0240 5-8].