The nonlinear excitation of synchronous edge waves by a monochromatic wave normally approaching a plane beach

Abstract

The possible excitation of synchronous edge waves by a monocromatic wave normally approaching a plane beach is studied. Use is made of the full three-dimensional water wave theory but only beach angles β = π/(2N), where N is an integer, are considered. A weakly nonlinear stability analysis is used to investigate the interaction of subharmonic, synchronous and 3/2-frequency edge waves with the incoming wave field. It is shown that values of β exist for which an energy transfer from the incoming wave to the synchronous edge waves takes place through the intermediary of the subharmonic components.