On the Fourier approximation method for steady water waves

A computational method for steady water waves is presented on the basis of potential theory in the physical plane with spatial variables as independent quantities. The finite Fourier series are applied to approximating the free surface and potential function. A set of nonlinear algebraic equations for the Fourier coefficients are derived from the free surface kinetic and dynamic boundary conditions. These algebraic equations are numerically solved through Newton＇s iterative method, and the iterative stability is further improved by a relaxation technology. The integral properties of steady water waves are numerically analyzed, showing that （1） the set-up and the set-down are both non-monotonic quantities with the wave steepness, and （2） the Fourier spectrum of the free surface is broader than that of the potential function. The latter further leads us to explore a modification for the present method by approximating the free surface and potential function through different Fourier series, with the truncation of the former higher than that of the latter. Numerical tests show that this modification is effective, and can notably reduce the errors of the free surface boundary conditions.

On the Fifth-Order Stokes Solution for Steady Water Waves

This paper presents a universal fifth-order Stokes solution for steady water waves on the basis of potential theory. It uses a global perturbation parameter, considers a depth uniform current, and thus admits the flexibilities on the definition of the perturbation parameter and on the determination of the wave celerity. The universal solution can be extended to that of Chappelear （1961）, confirming the correctness for the universal theory. Furthermore, a particular fifth-order solution is obtained where the wave steepness is used as the perturbation parameter. The applicable range of this solution in shallow depth is analyzed. Comparisons with the Fourier approximated results and with the experimental measurements show that the solution is fairly suited to waves with the Ursell number not exceeding 46.7.

MECHANISM FOR THE TRANSITION FROM A REGULAR REFLECTION TO A MACH REFLECTION OR A VON NEUMANN REFLECTION

In this paper, by taking into account the thickness of the incident shock as well as the influence of the boundary layer, we point out that even in a regular reflection there should be present a contact discontinuity. By using the smallest energy criterion, the inclined angle of this contact discontinuity can be determined for differen incident angle. Then, with this inclined contact discontinuity, together with the law of conservation of mass, the mechanism for the transition from a regular reflection to a Mach reflection or a von Neumann reflection becomes clear. The important roles played by the leftest point in the reflected shock polar are identified.

Scattering of steady cross-plane shear waves by surfaces of arbitrary shape in homogeneous and transversely isotropic media

Two-dimensional scalar equation for the displacement of steady cross-plane shear (SH) waves in homogeneous and transversely isotropic media like unidirectional fibrous com-posites is given. Then, thrbugh a simple coordinate system transform, the scalar equation is standardized into a Helmholtz equation. Corresponding integral equations are derived for the scattering problems and boundary element method (BEM) is used to calculate the scattered fields of arbitrarily shaped obstacles with both soft and rigid boudary conditions numerically.A discussion is given on the numerical results which is mainly focused on the influence of the a-nisotropy of the media to the directivity of the scattered fields by circular cylindrical voids.