Linear instability mechanisms for sand wave formation

Komarova, Natalia L. and Hulscher, Suzanne J.M.H. (2000) Linear instability mechanisms for sand wave formation. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 413 . pp. 219-246. ISSN 0022-1120

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Abstract:	A height- and flow-dependent model for turbulent viscosity is employed to explain the generation of sand waves in tidal seas. This new model resolves the problem of excitation of very long waves in sand wave formation, because it leads to damping of the long waves and gives a finite separation between the most excited mode and the zero mode. For parameters within their physically realistic ranges, a linear analysis of the resulting system yields a first excited mode whose wavelength is similar to the characteristic wavelength of sand waves observed in nature. The physical mechanism of sand wave formation as predicted by the new model is explained in detail. The dispersion relation obtained can be the starting point for a weakly nonlinear analysis of the system.
Item Type:	Article
Copyright:	© 2000 Cambridge University Press
Faculty:	Engineering Technology (CTW)
Research Group:	Water Engineering and Management (WEM)
Link to this item:	http://purl.utwente.nl/publications/20469
Official URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0022112000008429
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Metis ID: 124021