The transition from laminar to Taylor vortex flow in a couette apparatus with fixed ends has been studied. The reversibility of the transition has been examined with use of a reflectance technique with Kalliroscope tracer with a variety of geometries and fluids. Very little hysteresis is found, providing the speed is ramped with a dimensionless acceleration less than a certain value. Contrary to earlier expectations, it is not possible to neglect the effect of the ends of the apparatus simply by making the apparatus longer.

• Received 10 August 1981

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.47.1448