Flow in a cylindrical cavity with a rotating endwall is studied here. The flow structure is governed by two dimensionless parameters: Reynolds number and aspect ratio of the cavity. For certain combinations of Reynolds numbers and aspect ratios, vortex breakdown occurs and one or more recirculating regions are observed along the axis of rotation. Three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are solved for three aspect ratios (AR = 1.5, 2, and 2, 5) and for various Reynolds numbers, where steady solution exists. Results are compared with axisymmetric solutions. It was observed that, at higher Reynolds numbers the flow transforms from axisymmetric to three-dimensional and at very high Reynolds number, spiral counter-rotating vortices are formed due to centrifugal instabilities in the Stewartson layer.
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