Stability analysis from fourth order evolution equation for small but finite amplitude interfacial waves in the presence of a basic current shear

Abstract

AbstractA fourth-order nonlinear evolution equation is derived for a wave propagating at the interface of two superposed fluids of infinite depths in the presence of a basic current shear. On the basis of this equation a stability analysis is made for a uniform wave train. Discussions are given for both an air-water interface and a Boussinesq approximation. Significant deviations are noticed from the results obtained from the third-order evolution equation, which is the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. In the Boussinesq approximation, it has been possible to compare the present results with the exact numerical analysis of Pullin and Grimshaw [12], and they are found to agree rather favourably.