The impact of rotation on the flow through inclined rectangular channels

Overview & Synopsis

Flows in nature can turn unstable and generate waves that, depending on circumstances, retard or accelerate flows. The importance of rotation on this process is studied by pumping fluid through a rectangular container on a rotating platform, and by measuring the cross channel pressure difference as well as flow rate, given an applied pump rate. As the flow passes the (rigid-lid) container, instabilities develop, leading to inertial waves. Depending on a lateral tilt of this container, these waves may or may not be focused onto a wave attractor, which may impact the through-flow.