Flow in curved channels with a low negative rotation speed

Experiments on visualization of stabilizing and destabilizing flow in channels with curvature and rotation are described. Two test sections have been used, i.e., the rectangular channels with aspect ratios of 1 and 10, respectively. The results show the end view of flows in the region with a low negative rotation speed. In addition, a generalized Rayleigh criterion is formulated about the primary instability of flows in rotating curved channels to help in understanding the experimental results. © 1995 The American Physical Society.link_to_subscribed_fulltex