More Wave Breaking Results

This simulation is at Ra=5 x 10⁸ with Pr=10³ and is based upon 1200 elements of order 18. Unlike the previous cases, a variable density is employed. The initial density ratio is 3:2. This is much higher than the differential found between sea water and fresh water, which would have a ratio closer to 1.04:1. The objective here is to illustrate that "wave breaking" relies on a fairly significant differential in the (dynamic) density. If the density differential is manifest solely in the Boussinesq term, then there is no symmetry breaking in the Kelvin-Helmholtz rollers and true breaking waves will not be realized.

Some other wave images can be found here.

Back to Gravity Currents working page.