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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
11:51
Visually Based Characterization of the Incipient Particle Motion in Regular Substrates: From Laminar to Turbulent Conditions
Published on: February 22, 2018
Particle trajectories in linear periodic capillary and capillary-gravity water waves
1School of Mathematics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. hendavid@maths.tcd.ie
Summary
Surface tension significantly impacts small waves, creating capillary and gravity-capillary waves. Linear theory reveals that water particle paths in these waves are not closed, even with surface tension.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Surface physics
Background:
- Surface tension is a key restoring force for small-amplitude surface waves.
- Capillary and gravity-capillary waves are phenomena influenced by surface tension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate particle paths in periodic gravity-capillary and pure capillary waves.
- To determine if particle paths are closed under linear theory considering surface tension.
Main Methods:
- Application of linear wave theory.
- Analysis of wave propagation on a flat water surface.
Main Results:
- Particle paths in periodic gravity-capillary waves are not closed.
- Particle paths in pure capillary waves are not closed.
- Surface tension's role in non-closed particle paths was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Linear theory predicts non-closed particle paths for capillary and gravity-capillary waves.
- The influence of surface tension on wave dynamics extends to particle motion.
- This finding challenges assumptions of closed particle orbits in certain wave types.
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