Transverse instability of interfacial solitary waves

Abstract

The linear stability of finite-amplitude interfacial solitary waves in a two-layer fluid of finite depth is examined analytically on the basis of the Euler equations. An asymptotic analysis is performed, which provides an explicit criterion of instability in the case of long-wavelength transverse disturbances. This result leads to the general statement that, when the amplitude of the solitary wave is increased, the solution becomes transversely unstable before an exchange of longitudinal stability occurs.