Simulating Rotating Convection at Very Small But Finite Ekman Numbers

Explore groundbreaking research in a 49-minute lecture from Adrian van Kan of UC Berkeley, delivered at IPAM's Rotating Turbulence Workshop. Dive into the complexities of simulating rotating Rayleigh-Bénard convection (RRRBC) at extremely small Ekman numbers, a crucial aspect of geophysical and astrophysical fluid flows. Learn about the innovative use of rescaled incompressible Navier-Stokes equations (RiNSE) to achieve unprecedented direct numerical simulations at rotation strengths down to Ek=10−15. Discover key findings including the disappearance of cyclone-anticyclone asymmetry at Ek≈10−9 and the identification of heat transport overshoots associated with boundary layer dissipation. Understand how these simulations validate theoretical predictions and bridge the gap between moderately fast rotation rates and the previously inaccessible parameter space of very rapidly rotating convection, offering valuable insights for astro-/geophysical applications.