Generalizations of the rotating flame effect

Abstract

A basic fluid state of vertical thickness h, static stability s and rotation rate (f/2) is perturbed by an arbitrary distribution of heat sources and sinks which propagate in the azimuthal direction with relative frequency ω. If (f²-ω²) (ω²-gs)^-1 > 0 the forced azimuthal perturbations pump kinetic energy and ω-directed angular momentum to infinite radii. At the mean radius of the heat sources there is a compensating “torque” which causes a mean spin of the air in the opposite sense to ω. In this generalization of the “rotating flame effect” uasi-linear theory is used but viscosity is neglected. It is suggested that the condensation-evaporation heating in a developing cloud acts in a similar manner to these heat sources. An application to the problem of Tornadogenesis is suggested.