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Fourth-order nonlinear evolution equations for surface gravity waves in the presence of a thin thermocline
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 February 2009
Abstract
Two coupled nonlinear evolution equations correct to fourth order in wave steepness are derived for a three-dimensional wave packet in the presence of a thin thermocline. These two coupled equations are reduced to a single equation on the assumption that the space variation of the amplitudes takes place along a line making an arbitrary fixed angle with the direction of propagation of the wave. This single equation is used to study the stability of a uniform wave train. Expressions for maximum growth rate of instability and wave number at marginal stability are obtained. Some of the results are shown graphically. It is found that a thin thermocline has a stabilizing influence and the maximum growth rate of instability decreases with the increase of thermocline depth.
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- Copyright © Australian Mathematical Society 1997
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