On the Mach reflexion of a solitary wave

Abstract

Miles’ (1977b) model of the Mach reflexion of a solitary wave by a vertical wall is tested by laboratory experiments. The model over-predicts the measured run-up at the wall, and no evidence of the predicted maximum was found. The measurements provide support for the predicted critical angle of incidence at which Mach reflexion is replaced by regular reflexion. It is shown that mass and energy conservation determine the length of the reflected wave in Miles’ model and that this is not consistent with momentum conservation in the neighbourhood of the end point of the reflected wave. It is suggested that the discrepancy between the measurements and the model may result from this failure of the model.