On generalized Bragg scattering of surface waves by bottom ripples

Abstract

We study the generalized Bragg scattering of surface waves over a wavy bottom. We consider the problem in the general context of nonlinear wave–wave interactions, and write down and provide geometric constructions for the Bragg resonance conditions for second-order triad (class I) and third-order quartet (class II and class III) wave– bottom interactions. Class I resonance involving one bottom and two surface wave components is classical. Class II resonance manifests bottom nonlinearity (it involves two bottom and two surface wave components), and has been studied in the laboratory. Class III Bragg resonance is new and is a result of free-surface nonlinearity involving resonant interaction among one bottom and three surface wave components. The amplitude of the resonant wave is quadratic in the surface wave slope and linear in the bottom steepness, and, unlike the former two cases, the resonant wave may be either reflected or transmitted (relative to the incident waves) depending on the wave–bottom geometry. To predict the initial spatial/temporal growth of the Bragg resonant wave for these resonances, we also provide the regular perturbation solution up to third order. To confirm these predictions and to obtain an efficient computational tool for general wave–bottom problems with resonant interactions, we extend and develop a powerful high-order spectral method originally developed for nonlinear wave–wave and wave–body interactions. The efficacy of the method is illustrated in high-order Bragg resonance computations in two and three dimensions. These results compare well with existing experiments and perturbation theory for the known class I and class II Bragg resonance cases, and obtain and elucidate the new class III resonance. It is shown that under realistic conditions with moderate to small surface and bottom steepnesses, the amplitudes of third-order class II and class III Bragg resonant waves can be comparable in magnitude to those resulting from class I interactions and appreciable relative to the incident wave.