Generalized vortex methods for free-surface flow problems

Abstract

The motion of free surfaces in incompressible, irrotational, inviscid layered flows is studied by evolution equations for the position of the free surfaces and appropriate dipole (vortex) and source strengths. The resulting Fredholm integral equations of the second kind may be solved efficiently in both storage and work by iteration in both two and three dimensions. Applications to breaking water waves over finite-bottom topography and interacting triads of surface and interfacial waves are given.