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Structure of Taylor-Columns generated by a rotating disc

When background rotation dominates the flow, the Taylor-Proudman theorem states that the Coriolis-forces will cause the flow to appear 2-dimensional by inhibiting velocity gradients along the axis of rotation. This leads to the formation of Taylor-Columns along moving solid bodies. Experiments have been performed to investigate the formation of these Taylor-Columns in a geometry similar to the Stewartson-Layer problem. The use of a custom made, traversing stereo-PIV allows detailed analysis of the structure of the Taylor-Columns, and the limits of the Taylor-Proudman theorem.