Physics – Fluid Dynamics
Scientific paper
2005-03-31
Physics
Fluid Dynamics
9 pages, 10 figures, to appear in Physics of Fluids
Scientific paper
10.1063/1.2001567
The linear stability of a stratified shear flow for smooth density profiles is studied. This work focuses on the nature of the stability boundaries of flows in which both Kelvin-Helmholtz and Holmboe instabilities are present. For a fixed Richardson number the unstable modes are confined to finite bands between a smallest and a largest marginally unstable wavenumber. The results in this paper indicate that the stability boundary for small wavenumbers is comprised of neutral modes with phase velocity equal to the maximum/minimum wind velocity whereas the other stability boundary, for large wavenumbers, is comprised of singular neutral modes with phase velocity in the range of the velocity shear. We show how these stability boundaries can be evaluated without solving for the growth rate over the entire parameter space as was previously done. The results indicate further that there is a new instability domain that has not been previously noted in the literature. The unstable modes, in this new instability domain, appear for larger values of the Richardson number and are related to the higher harmonics of the internal gravity wave spectrum.
No associations
LandOfFree
On Holmboe's instability for smooth shear and density profiles does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with On Holmboe's instability for smooth shear and density profiles, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On Holmboe's instability for smooth shear and density profiles will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-721182