Transition process in a fluid layer in a rotating paraboloid in response to a sudden change in its angular velocity

The process of establishment of the rigid-body rotation state in a liquid layer in a rotating paraboloid upon a sudden increase in its angular velocity is studied theoretically and experimentally. The theoretical study is performed within the framework of linear shallow-water theory with account for the bottom Ekman friction. Analytical solutions describing the transition process are obtained and the dependence of the establishment time on the liquid depth and the radius of curvature of the paraboloid is investigated. It is shown that the effect of free surface deformation may lead to a significant increase in the establishment time. Good agreement with the results of special laboratory experiments is found.