Wave Dispersion in a Rotating, Differentially Heated Cylindrical Annulus Of Fluid

Abstract

During a traverse of the regular wave regime in a rotating, differentially heated annulus of viscous liquid (Prandtl number = 86.0), an asymmetrical wave pattern was observed in the transition region between 4 and 5 regular waves. The shape and time development of this pattern is interpreted as being primarily the result of the simultaneous presence of a 4-wave and a 5-wave pattern, and of the dispersion resulting from the relative motion of these two waves.