The angular momentum transport by the strato-rotational instability in simulated Taylor-Couette flows

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the stability and angular momentum transport by the strato-rotational instability in the nonlinear regime. Methods: The hydrodynamic compressible equations are solved in a cartesian box in which the outer cylinder is embedded. Gravity along the rotation axis leads to density stratification. No-slip boundary conditions are used in the radial direction, while free-slip conditions are used on the two ends of the cylinders. Results: The strato-rotational instability is confirmed and the Reynolds stress is shown to transport angular momentum away from the axis. However, the growth rate decreases with increasing Reynolds number. This, as well as the presence of boundaries renders this instability less relevant for astrophysical applications.