Quasi-stationary states in a circular geometry

The quasi-stationary final states of decaying two-dimensional turbulence on a circular domain, with an initial flow field containing either no or a substantial amount of angular momentum, have been investigated numerically. The production of angular momentum is almost absent for these flows on a circular domain with a no-slip wall. Its presence or absence essentially determines the character of the quasi-stationary final state. Based on a minimum-enstrophy principle a diagram is constructed that provides insight into the development of the typical late-time flow patterns on a circular domain with a no-slip wall. The quasi-stationary final states found in the present numerical study can be understood based on the predictions from the minimum-enstrophy principle.