Forced Flexural Gravity Wave Motion in Two-Layer Fluid

Abstract

Generation of flexural gravity waves in a two-layer fluid due to the forced motion of a vertical rigid wavemaker is studied in both finite and infinite water depths. The two-dimensional (2D) fluid domain having an interface is covered by a semi-infinite ice sheet, which is modeled as an elastic beam. As an application of the wavemaker problem, flexural gravity wave reflection by a vertical cliff is analyzed. Under the assumptions of small amplitude water wave theory and structural response, the mathematical models are solved using a recently developed expansion formulae and the associated orthogonal mode-coupling relations as appropriate for finite and infinite water depths. Effect of three types of edges such as free edge, simply supported edge, and built-in edge on the wave reflection by the vertical cliff is analyzed whilst, for the wavemaker, the floating ice sheet is assumed to have free edge. Effect of various physical parameters on the wave motion is studied by analyzing the reflection coefficients, deflection of the ice sheet, interface elevation, strain and shear force on the floating ice sheet.