Laboratory Studies of Gravity Wave, Mean Flow Interactions
Abstract
Laboratory observations of gravity wave, critical layer experiments are presented. In the experiments, a stratified shear flow is generated, and internal gravity waves are allowed to propagate into the flow. The waves propagate up to, but no farther than, their critical layer, the depth where the mean flow equals the horizontal phase speed of the wave. Results are presented with one and two internal waves propagating into the flow. Measurements include mean density and velocity profiles, instantaneous density and velocity profiles, shadowgraph observations, Digital Particle Imaging Velocimetry, and Richardson number estimates. The results show that early wavebreaking is Kelvin Helmholtz. Later wavebreaking is characterized by internal mixing regions. With the two wave forcing, the observed late time turbulence is correlated with the internal wave amplitude.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 14, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA299211
Entities
People
- Donald P. Delisi
Organizations
- Northwest Research Associates