Mass transport in the boundary layer at a free oscillating surface

Abstract

In a previous paper (1953b) it was shown theoretically that just below the boundary layer at the surface of a free wave the mass-transport gradient should be exactly twice that given by Stokes's irrotational theory. The present paper describes careful experiments which confirm the higher value of the gradient.The results have an implication for any oscillatory boundary layer at the free surface of a fluid; such a boundary layer must generate a second-order mean vorticity which diffuses inwards into the interior of the fluid.