Fast-slow wave transitions induced by a random mean flow

S. Boury, O. Bühler, J. Shatah

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Motivated by recent asymptotic results in atmosphere-ocean fluid dynamics, we present an idealized numerical and theoretical study of two-dimensional dispersive waves propagating through a small-amplitude random mean flow. The objective is to delineate clearly the conditions under which the cumulative Doppler shifting and refraction by the mean flow can change the group velocity of the waves not only in direction, but also in magnitude. The latter effect enables a possible transition from fast to slow waves, which behave very differently. Within our model we find the conditions on the dispersion relation and the mean flow amplitude that allow or rule out such fast-slow transitions. For steady mean flows we determine a finite mean flow amplitude threshold below which such transitions can be ruled out indefinitely. For unsteady mean flows a sufficiently rapid rate of change means that this threshold goes to zero, i.e., in this scenario all waves eventually undergo a fast-slow transition regardless of mean flow amplitude, with corresponding implications for the long-term fate of these waves.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number055101
JournalPhysical Review E
Volume108
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2023

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
  • Statistics and Probability
  • Condensed Matter Physics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fast-slow wave transitions induced by a random mean flow'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this