Using flow visualizations in Couette geometry, we demonstrate the existence of Taylor-like vortices in the shear-banding flow of a giant micelles system. We show that vortices stacked along the vorticity direction develop concomitantly with interfacial undulations. These cellular structures are mainly localized in the induced band and their dynamics is fully correlated with that of the interface. As the control parameter increases, we observe a transition from a steady vortex flow to a state where pairs of vortices are continuously created and destroyed. Normal stress effects are discussed as potential mechanisms driving the three-dimensional flow.

• Received 30 March 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.028302