STUDY OF WAVES IN A SMALL TANK.
Abstract
With the use of relatively simple apparatus, precise measurements were made of wavelength and attenuation versus frequency of surface waves in the transition region between gravity waves and capillary waves. Wave velocities were determined by measuring the wavelengths in photographs of the water surface. The effects of contamination of velocity and attenuation were determined. The effect of a current flowing perpendicular to a capillary wave system was studied photographically. Below a surface velocity of 6 centimeters per second, the cross current has little effect on wave structure. In the velocity range from 6 to 10 centimeters per second severe distortion of wave shape, and even destruction of the entire wave train, may result. The attenuation with distance of wave amplitudes was measured for wavelengths from 0.75 to 4 centimeters. The measured values of attenuation in this wavelength range, obtained with distilled water and a clean surface, are only 6 percent more than the theoretical values. Tap water gave values as much as a factor of five larger than the theoretical values. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 29, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0604548
Entities
People
- W. L. Roberts
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory