Interfacial gravity waves in a two-fluid system

Abstract

In this work a theoretical and experimental investigation is performed on the sloshing of two
\nimmiscible liquid layers inside of a closed square-section tank. By applying a variational approach
\nto the potential formulation of the !uid motion, a nonlinear dynamical system is derived
\napplying the Lagrange equations to the Lagrangian of motion de1ned in terms of suitable generalised
\ncoordinates. These coordinates are the time depending coe3cients of the modal expansions
\nadopted for the separation surface of the two !uids and for the velocity potentials of the !uid
\nlayers. Dissipative e4ects are taken into account by considering generalised dissipative forces
\nderived by a dissipative model extensively treated in the paper.
\nNumerical integration of the dynamical system furnish solutions which well reproduce the examined
\nexperimental con1gurations