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Researchers have mapped the transition of wind-driven ocean surface waves (4-13 cm wavelength) from smooth to corrugated states using nonlinear potential flow equations. By analyzing these waves in a Reynolds number versus wave energy phase space, they identified a transition band where wave steepness shows non-monotonic behavior, and found that subharmonic instability causes corrugations to form on alternating faces of carrier waves. This work advances understanding of how parasitic capillary waves develop on steep ocean waves.
Why it matters
These findings could improve ocean remote-sensing technologies that rely on understanding surface wave characteristics, and may enhance predictions of air-sea interaction processes. The work addresses a longstanding problem in fluid mechanics with practical applications for oceanography and meteorology.
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⚠️ Preprint – Noch nicht peer-reviewed
Dieser Artikel wurde noch nicht von unabhängigen Experten begutachtet. Die Ergebnisse sind vorläufig und sollten mit Vorsicht interpretiert werden.
Abstract: Predicting the transition of wind-forced, gravito-capillary surface waves from smooth to corrugated states remains a longstanding problem in nonlinear surface wave mechanics. Solving driven-dissipative, nonlinear potential flow equations we map these waves ($4-13$ cm) onto a Reynolds number — wave energy phase-space. We identify a transition band separating smooth from corrugated wave states – the wave steepness exhibits a non-monotonic dependence on Reynolds number within this. Subharmonic (in)stability analysis reveals that the fastest-growing mode intensifies corrugations on alternate faces of the carrier wave. Our results offer insights into parasitic capillary wave formation on steep carrier waves and are of interest to ocean remote-sensing.