Abstract
The eigenvalue problem for the linear stability of Couette flow between rotating concentric cylinders to axisymmetric disturbances is considered. It is shown by numerical calculations and by formal perturbation methods that when the outer cylinder is at rest there exist complex eigenvalues corresponding to oscillatory damped disturbances. The structure of the first few eigenvalues in the spectrum is discussed. The results do not contradict the 'principle of exchange of stabilities'; namely, for a fixed axial wave number the first mode to become unstable as the speed of the inner cylinder is increased is non oscillatory as the stability boundary is crossed. (A)
| Original language | English |
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| Pages (from-to) | 75-94 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Journal | Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series A: Mathematical and Physical Sciences |
| Volume | 396 |
| Issue number | 1810 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 1984 |