Time-Reversal Analogy by Nonlinear Acoustic–Gravity Wave Triad Resonance

Abstract

Time reversal of free-surface water (gravity) waves due to a sudden change in the effective gravity has been extensively studied in recent years. Here, we show that an analogy to time-reversal can be obtained using nonlinear acoustic-gravity wave theory. More specifically, we present a mathematical model for the evolution of a time-reversed gravity wave packet from a nonlinear resonant triad perspective. We show that the sudden appearance of an acoustic mode in analogy to a sudden vertical oscillation of the liquid film, can resonate effectively with the original gravity wave packet causing energy pumping into an oppositely propagating (time-reversed) surface gravity wave of an almost identical shape.