Nonlinear stability of laboratory quasi-Keplerian flows

Experiments in a modified Taylor-Couette device, spanning Reynolds numbers of 105 to greater than 106, reveal the nonlinear stability of astrophysically relevant flows. Nearly ideal rotation, expected in the absence of axial boundaries, is achieved for a narrow range of operating parameters. Departures from optimal control parameters identify centrifugal instability of boundary layers as the primary source of turbulence observed in former experiments. By driving perturbations from a series of jets we demonstrate the robustly quiescent nature of quasi-Keplerian flows, indicating that sustained turbulence does not exist.