On stochastic stabilization of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability by three-wave resonant interaction

Abstract

An analytical investigation of the effect of three-wave resonant interactions with the linearly unstable wave is proposed. We consider the waves in the Kelvin-Helmholtz model, consisting of two fluid layers with different densities and velocities. We suppose that the velocity shear is weakly supercritical, the instability is of the algebraic type, i.e., the amplitude of the unstable wave grows linearly, and the instability occurs within the framework of a single mode. The amplitudes of two other waves taking part in the nonlinear interaction are assumed to be stable. The initial amplitudes of these waves are supposed to be small in comparison with the initial amplitude of the unstable wave. We present an analysis of the system of amplitude equations derived for this case using JWKB-method. As a result, we obtain equations that couple solutions pre- and post-passing the singular point, i.e., the point where the amplitude of the unstable wave has a local minimum. These equations give us the transformation rule of a parameter that characterizes the phase shift between fast and slow waves and defines the behavior of the system. This parameter is constant between two singular points and varies by chance at a singular point. As long as it stays positive, the amplitude of the wave remains limited and performs stochastic oscillations. If this parameter passes over zero, then we leave the region of stabilization and turn out in the region, where the amplitude grows infinitely. Accordingly, the transition to the region of instability happens stochastically. However, if the time interval, when the amplitude remains bounded, is large enough, the proposed scenario can be treated as a partial stabilization of instability.