Nonlinear Propagation of Wave-Packets on Fluid Interfaces.

Abstract

The method of multiple scales is used to derive a nonlinear partial differential equation which describes the evolution of two-dimensional wave-packets on the interface of two semi-infinite, incompressible, inviscid fluids of arbitrary densities, taking into account the effect of the surface tension, this equation is used to show that the stability of uniform wavetrains depends on the wavelength, the surface tension, and the density ratio. The results show that gravity waves are unstable for all density ratios except unity, while capillary waves are stable unless the density ratio is below approximately 0.1716. Moreover, the presence of surface tension results in the stabilization of some waves which are otherwise unstable. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1974
Accession Number
AD0783546

Entities

People

  • Ali Hasan Nayfeh

Organizations

  • Virginia Tech

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Capillary Waves
  • Differential Equations
  • Equations
  • Gravity Waves
  • Partial Differential Equations
  • Surface Tension
  • Two Dimensional
  • Wave Packets
  • Waves

Fields of Study

  • Mathematics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Fluid Dynamics.