Higher-order modulation theory for resonant flow over topography

Abstract

The flow of a fluid over isolated topography in the long wavelength, weakly nonlinear limit is considered. The upstream flow velocity is assumed to be close to a linear long wave velocity of the unforced flow so that the flow is near resonant. Higher order nonlinear, dispersive and nonlinear-dispersive terms beyond the Korteweg-de Vries approximation are included so that the flow is governed by a forced extended Korteweg-de Vries equation. Modulation theory solutions for the undular bores generated upstream and downstream of the forcing are found and used to study the influence of the higher-order terms on the resonant flow, which increases for steeper waves. These modulation theory solutions are compared with numerical solutions of the forced extended Korteweg-de Vries equation for the case of surface water waves. Good comparison is obtained between theoretical and numerical solutions, for properties such as the upstream and downstream solitary wave amplitudes and the widths of the bores.