Wake collapse in the thermocline and internal solitary waves

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Abstract
Experiments were conducted in a long channel in which a mixed region was allowed to collapse in the thermocline region of a stratified fluid. Two solitary wave-like disturbances were generated travelling to the right and left of the mixed region. The mixed region fluid was partly entrained in these waves. The waves were allowed to reflect from the end walls and to collide after the reflexions. The velocity structure of the wave was studied before, during and after a collision by means of hot-film anemometry and streak pictures. Wave speeds were accurately determined by two hot-film probes. Permanence of form and amplitude decay of the waves were observed over long distances and through successive collisions and reflexions. An analytical result for the structure of the solitary wave in an ambient stratification of the hyperbolic tangent type, but of finite total water depth, was obtained using Benney's method. Excellent agreement between the experimental and theoretical results was obtained. The results showed that the generated waves were indeed solitary waves.

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