Longitudinal capillary waves. Part 1.—Theory

Abstract

The existence of hitherto unobserved surface waves with a longitudinal character is deduced theoretically and the properties of these waves are predicted. In contrast to capillary waves, the longitudinal waves are governed by the surface elastic modulus rather than by surface tension; they are accompanied by a horizontal rather than by a vertical surface movement and they are connected with a liquid flow of a highly dissipative character causing a rapid damping. Under normal experimental conditions capillary waves and longitudinal waves are superimposed, but the longitudinal wave is usually damped out much more rapidly, except at high elastic modulus.