Abstract
The Stokes-Taylor instability of the interface of two superposed fluids is studied. The two uniform layers of heavy fluids are of different densities and viscosities and are incompressible. Surface tension and gravity are taken into consideration. The main problem considered is the role of viscosity on the modes of decay and growth of waves, and the finding of an analytical solution more generally valid than those in existing approximate theories. The present viscous theory is based on an approximation by interpolation exact in three regions of wave numbers (intermediate and two extreme regions). The extreme regions, being most important from the practical point of view and serving as a foundation of the present theory, are studied somewhat in detail up to the fourth order. Results are illustrated graphically and show good agreement with numerical solutions of the complete equation. For the sake of comparison, curves are also drawn according to existing theories and show discrepancies in the maximum rate of growth and decay from 12% to more than 100%.

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