The flow patterns in the steady, viscous flow in a cylinder with a rotating
bottom and a free surface are investigated by a combination of topological
and numerical methods. Assuming the flow is axisymmetric, we derive a list
of possible bifurcations of streamline structures on varying two parameter
s, the Reynolds number and the aspect ratio of the cylinder. Using this the
ory we systematically perform numerical simulations to obtain the bifurcati
on diagram. The stability limit for steady flow is found and established as
a Hopf bifurcation. We compare with the experiments by Spohn, Mory & Hopfi
nger (1993) and find both similarities and differences.