Application of Phase Sounder Gravity Wave Observations to the Problem of Atmospheric Structure

Abstract

The practical consequences of the commonly occurring thermospheric condition of turning points for propagating acoustic and internal gravity wave modes have been investigated. This has required some rather novel theoretical developments on the W.K.B. approximation, turning points, and the measurement of phase velocities. In the process of carrying out this investigation some sample calculations were made illustrating the relationships between phase velocity measurements and the existing values of the Vaisala frequency and acoustic cut- offs. A study was also made of the reflection of internal gravity waves of long period at heights for which the wavelength becomes of the order of the mean free path of the molecules. The net effect is one of damping on the long-range propagation of trapped internal waves.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 30, 1971
Accession Number
AD0735386

Entities

People

  • Ivan Tolstoy

Organizations

  • Florida State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Propagation
  • Acoustic Waves
  • Acoustics
  • Differential Equations
  • Doppler Effect
  • Equations
  • Explosions
  • Frequency
  • Gravity Waves
  • Long Wavelengths
  • Mean Free Path
  • Measurement
  • Nuclear Explosions
  • Phase Velocity
  • Reflection
  • Standing Waves
  • Wave Propagation

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Systems Analysis and Design