2007/02/28 by G. Halasz, Gábor J. Halász, B. Gyure +7 · 1 citation
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Fluid dynamics and aerodynamics studies #Planetary Science and Exploration #Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics #physics.flu-dyn
paper · pdf · doi:10.1119/1.2772287
published as American Journal of Physics, Vol. 75, 1092-1098 (2007). · Slightly revised version
arxiv created 2007/06/08 · openalex publication_date 2007/11/20 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
We investigate the flow generated by a magnetic stirrer in cylindrical containers by optical observations, particle image velocimetry measurements, and particle and dye tracking methods. The tangential flow is that of an ideal vortex outside a core, but inside downwelling occurs with a strong jet in the very middle. In the core region dye patterns remain visible over minutes indicating inefficient mixing in this region. The results of quantitative measurements can be described by simple relations that depend on the stirring bar’s rotation frequency. The tangential flow is similar to that of large atmospheric vortices such as dust devils and tornadoes.