Trapping modes in the theory of surface waves

Abstract

ABSTRACT It is shown that a mass of fluid bounded by fixed surfaces and by a free surface of infinite extent may be capable of vibrating under gravity in a mode (called a trapping mode) containing finite total energy. Trapping modes appear to be peculiar to the theory of surface waves; it is known that there are no trapping modes in the theory of sound. Two trapping modes are constructed: (1) a mode on a sloping beach in a semi-infinite canal of finite width, (2) a mode near a submerged circular cylinder in an infinite canal of finite width. The existence of trapping modes shows that in general a radiation condition for the waves at infinity is insufficient for uniqueness.