Wave Mechanics

Co-ordinator: Dr Julius Kaplunov, OWENS Room 18.03 Maths Blg , Tel x 55806

email: kaplunov@ma.man.ac.uk


 
Assessment
Credits
Contact hours
% Exam
% Coursework
Level
10
24h lectures, 12h tutorials
80
20
M

General Description

This course will study aspects of wave motion arising in many fluidmechanical systems, and students will be introduced to fundamental ideas such as dispersion, group velocity, as well as advanced topics including ray theory, non-linear propagation, shocks, solitary waves. The course will also discuss several wave systems such as those arising in rotating flows and stratified flows.

Aims

The aim of this course is to introduce students to aspects of wave motion arising in many fluid mechanical systems. 

Objectives

On successful completion of the course unit students will understand the physical and mathematical reasons for wave motion and be able to formulate and solve simple problems concerning the propagation ofwaves in dispersive and non-dispersive media.

Course content 

 

1. Introduction: wave kinematics. Phase velocity, group velocity, dispersion, dissipation.
2. Free surface water waves: Standing/progressive waves, dispersion relations for infinite and finite depthlayers. Waves in closed containers.

3. Surface tension effects.

4. Waves at a density interface: Kelvin-Helmholtz instability.

5. Waves in a continuously stratified fluid: Internal gravity waves. 

6. Waves in rotating flows. 

7. Sound waves.

8.Introduction to nonlinear wave propagation. Shallow water theory.Solitary waves. Shocks waves. 

Assessment

Coursework 20% and end of module two-hour closed book examination 80%.

Suggested reading

J.J. Stoker, Water Waves. Wiley, 1958.

M.J. Lighthill, Waves in Fluids. Cambridge, 1979.

G.B. Whitham, Linear and Nonlinear Waves. John Wiley, 1974.