WAKE COLLAPSE AND SUBSEQUENT GENERATION OF INTERNAL WAVES IN A DENSITY STRATIFIED MEDIUM.
Abstract
An experimental technique was developed to model a two-dimensional mixed region collapsing in a continuously density-stratified medium. The process of this mixed region can be divided into three stages. Empirical formulae were derived to describe the process of the first two stages, during which densimetric effects determine the modeling criterion. The collapse process in the final stage is complicated by viscous effects including mixing at the thin wake tip. The pattern of the internal waves generated by the initial impulsive collapse of the mixed region was studied; it can be represented by moving rays connecting either wave crests or troughs. These rays move away from the collapse center and at the same time decrease their slopes. A simpler steady state wave pattern generated by an oscillating plunger was also studied. Taken together, these experimental results are interpreted to show that the energy density of the initial impulsive collapse is skewed toward higher frequencies and that it is peaked at 8/10 of the Brunt-Vaisala frequency. The mechanism underlying the moving ray patterns is explained. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0665765
Entities
People
- Jin Wu