Dual vortex breakdown in a two-fluid confined flow

This experimental study reveals a spectacular and important phenomenon—double vortex breakdown—in a swirling flow of two immiscible fluids where vortex breakdown bubbles evolve simultaneously in both fluids. The rotating lid drives the steady axisymmetric motion in a sealed vertical cylindrical container whose other walls are stationary. As the rotation intensifies, topological metamorphoses occur, resulting in a multicellular flow. Two new circulation cells (vortex breakdown bubbles) simultaneously develop near the centers of both fluids while the flow remains steady and axisymmetric. Such a pattern can help provide fine, gentle, and nonintrusive mixing in chemical and biological reactors.