An accurate and efficient spectral method for studies of the dynamical properties of forced, circular shear layers

We present an efficient spectral method for studies of fundamental vortex dynamics in forced, circular shear flows. The numerical results are compared with results from experiments carried out in rotating flows with both planar and parabolic geometries. Due to the high accuracy of the code, it can be determined whether a twodimensional model is sufficient to describe the experimental results. © 2000 IMACS. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.