Transformation, Attenuation, Setup, and Undertow of Internal Waves on a Gentle Slope
Publication: Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering
Volume 132, Issue 6
Abstract
We studied analytically and numerically the transformation, attenuation, setup, and undertow due to shoaling and breaking of internal waves in a two-layer fluid system on a uniform slope. To verify the predictions, experiments were performed over a linear bottom slope of 1:28 in a two-dimensional (2D) wave tank. An image processing technique was used to illustrate 2D instantaneous displacements of density interface. The observed displacement data were analyzed to obtain the wave height, celerity, and setup. These results were compared with the calculated values by using the method of characteristics, the simple shoaling model with energy dissipation, and the momentum balance equation based on a radiation stress concept. Generally, the linear theory overestimates the observed celerity, but the method of characteristics underestimates it. A model was also used to explain the velocity and density fields during runup events. The experimental data of wave height and setup are shown to be in good qualitative agreement with both results predicted by the method of characteristics and the model.
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Published In
Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering
Volume 132 • Issue 6 • November 2006
Pages: 477 - 486
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Nov 9, 2004
Accepted: Oct 26, 2005
Published online: Nov 1, 2006
Published in print: Nov 2006
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