Energy Transfers for Multilayer Hydrodynamic Ocean Models: General Formulation and Specific Examples

Abstract

Two dynamic models, useful in studying ocean circulations, are treated: the inviscid multilayer hydrodynamic model and the inviscid multilayer reduced-gravy hydrodynamic model or, for brevity, the finite depth model and the reduced-gravity model. The two models are identical except that the velocity is required to be zero in the bottom layer of the reduced-gravity model. The latter model retains most of the physical properties of the finite depth model but has considerably fewer computational requirements. Two different formulations of the energetics are obtained: layer-layer and layer-interface. In both, the kinetic energy per unit area of a layer is specified. Both formulations are valid mathematically and physically so the selection of one depends on what types of energy transfers the user wishes to examine. The energetics, or energy analysis, is presented for a general multilayer case for both models and both formulations. The energetics in both formulations are considered for specific cases: the one-, two-, and three-layer cases for the finite depth model and the one and two active layer cases for the reduced-gravity model.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA187604

Entities

People

  • Donna W. Blake

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Classification
  • Dynamics
  • Energy
  • Energy Conversion
  • Energy Transfer
  • Equations
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Kinetic Energy
  • Mathematical Analysis
  • New York
  • Ocean Currents
  • Oceanography
  • Oceans
  • Physical Properties
  • Potential Energy
  • Security
  • Specifications

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Finite Element Method (FEM) for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers