Hydrodynamic X Waves

Journal article (2019)

Authors

James N. Steer The University of Edinburgh
Alistair G.L. Borthwick The University of Edinburgh
M. Onorato University of Turin
A. Chabchoub University of Sydney
T.S. van den Bremer University of Oxford
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Published Date

29-10-2019

Language

English

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Abstract

Stationary wave groups exist in a range of nonlinear dispersive media, including optics, Bose-Einstein condensates, plasma, and hydrodynamics. We report experimental observations of nonlinear surface gravity X waves, i.e., X-shaped wave envelopes that propagate over long distances with constant form. These can be described by the 2D+1 nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which predicts a balance between dispersion and diffraction when the envelope (the arms of the X) travel at ±arctan(1/2)≈±35.26° to the carrier wave. Our findings may help improve understanding the lifetime of extremes in directional seas and motivate further studies in other nonlinear dispersive media.