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Weakly nonlinear wave motions in a thermally stratified boundary layer

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 April 2006

James P. Denier  and
Eunice W. Mureithi
James P. Denier
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
Eunice W. Mureithi
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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Abstract

We consider weakly nonlinear wave motions in a thermally stratified boundary layer. Attention is focused on the upper branch of the neutral stability curve, corresponding to small wavelengths and large Reynolds number. In this limit the motion is governed by a first harmonic/mean flow interaction theory in which the wave-induced mean flow is of the same order of magnitude as the wave component of the flow. We show that the flow is governed by a system of three coupled partial differential equations which admit finite-amplitude periodic solutions bifurcating from the linear, neutral points.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 315 , 25 May 1996 , pp. 293 - 316
Copyright
© 1996 Cambridge University Press

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