A note on some nonlinear water-wave experiments and the comparison of data with theory

摘要: The problem of the instability a uniform, nonlinear, deep-water wave train to infinitesimal long-wave perturbations, first studied by Benjamin ' Feir (1967) and (1967), is re-examined. It found that apparent discrepancy between experimental theoretical growth rates associated with generation waves which do not have Stokes profiles assumed in theory. Experimental results relating initial steepness most unstable perturbation are used obtain correction factor, account for mismatch forms resolves rates. illustrate that, when theory compared experiments values certain higher-order (nonlinear) quantities must be deduced from measurements first-order quantities, great care taken ascertain conditions assumptions indeed compatible required order.