Nonlinear stability of laboratory quasi-Keplerian flows

Abstract

Experiments in a modified Taylor-Couette device, spanning Reynolds numbers of $10^5$ to greater than $10^6$, reveal the nonlinear stability of astrophysically-relevant flows. Nearly ideal rotation, expected in the absence of axial boundaries, is achieved for a narrow range of operating parameters. Departures from the optimal control space identify centrifugal instability of boundary layers as the primary source of turbulence likely observed in former experiments. By driving turbulence from a series of jets we demonstrate the robustly quiescent nature of quasi-Keplerian flows, indicating that sustained turbulence does not exist.