ERC project THEIA

Experiments on rotating flows and topography

In rotating planetary fluids, boundary topography can excite waves and change the torque on a solid wall. Theory helps isolate the mechanisms, and numerical simulations give access to the flow throughout the domain. In the laboratory, we can vary the boundary directly and observe how the flow responds, including regimes where turbulence matters.

Mini-THEIA was designed as a flexible smaller-scale setup for rotating-flow experiments. Its original programme included spin-up, stratification and filling or draining while the tank rotates. The small and large setups address complementary scales.

The one-metre THEIA apparatus

The THEIA apparatus was commissioned during the ERC project and reached rotation rates of about 10 rpm. In 2026 we performed the first spin-up experiments with flat and rough bottom topographies. We are analysing how the flow adjusts in each case. The apparatus can also be used to explore how density stratification, waves and turbulence affect boundary coupling.