THE INTERACTION OF WAVES AND OIL SPILLS

The combined effects of interfacial elasticity and multiple fluid layer geometries upon the first order properties of surface waves are analyzed for application to the oil spill problem. The technique of matched asymptotic expansion is used in conjunction with a small amplitude assumption regarding the wave height. The theory of interfacial elasticity is briefly reviewed, and critical parameters are identified. Recommendations for further study of oil-water adsorption and mixed monolayer elasticities are developed. The second order mass transport properties are discussed in light of the first order solutions. It is concluded that the enormous potential of this system for significant variation in the first order properties makes further theoretical analysis highly dependent upon the availability of suitable experimental data to direct the theoretician.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • The report price is $4.00.
• Corporate Authors:

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Sea Grant Program, 77 Massachusetts Avenue
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02139
• Authors:
  • Stewart, R J
• Publication Date: 1976-9

Media Info

• Pagination: 202 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Dynamics; Oil spills; Oil water interfaces
• Old TRIS Terms: Oil spill behavior; Oil spreading dynamics; Oil water suspensions
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00149579
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Report/Paper Numbers: MITSG 75-22
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 13 1977 12:00AM