THE ROLE OF SURFACE TENSION IN BREAKING WAVES

Breaking criteria in the vicinity of the crest, such as limit crest angle and limit form, and larger dimensions such as limit height (H/L) and breaker height (H sub b/d sub b), are found experimentally to be significantly affected by change in surface tension. A number of wave types were examined, including periodic waves, solitary waves, bores, and standing waves, over both constant depth and uniform slopes. Variations in natural waters in some cases were found to be of equivalent magnitude to those induced for the experiments. The conclusion is drawn that surface tension should be taken into account in development of a satisfactory theory of breakers. It is also an important factor in experimental studies, particularly engineering model studies involving breaking waves on coastal structures and in ship performance. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Chicago

  Fluid Dynamics and Sediment Transport Laboratory
  Chicago, IL  United States 
• Authors:
  • Miller, R L
• Publication Date: 1972-10-1

Media Info

• Pagination: 36 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Force; Ocean waves; Overtopping; Surface tension; Waves
• Uncontrolled Terms: Solitary waves
• Old TRIS Terms: Surface tension effects; Wave forces on structures
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00044638
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: TR-13 Tech Rpt
• Contract Numbers: N00014-67A-0285-0013
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 4 1973 12:00AM