The non-linear evolution of Stokes waves in deep water

Abstract

Based on a set of modulation equations derived in a previous paper, the nonlinear evolution of wave envelope in deep water is studied numerically. It is found that the wave envelope tends to disintegrate to multiple groups of waves each of which approaches a stable permanent envelope representing dynamical equilibrium between the amplitude dispersion and the frequency dispersion. Qualitative agreement with the experimental measurements of Feir (1967) is also observed.