Formation of dual vortex breakdown in a two-fluid confined flow

This experimental and numerical study discusses the formation of double vortex breakdown in a swirling flow of two immiscible fluids where new circulation cells evolve 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, multiple topological changes occur in the flow. This study explains how two new circulation cells (vortex breakdown bubbles) almost simultaneously develop near the centers of both upper and lower fluids while the flow remains steady and axisymmetric. Such multi-cell flows can help provide fine, gentle, and nonintrusive mixing in chemical and biological reactors.