Axisymmetric radiation and decay of gravity-capillary waves
Phys. Rev. Fluids 11, 094004 – Published 21 September, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/xjyc-21qb
Abstract
We present a combined theoretical and experimental study of gravity-capillary waves generated by a disk oscillating vertically about the horizontal water surface. The theory predicts the radial propagation and decay of surface waves by incorporating fluid viscosity and surface elasticity. Laboratory experiments were conducted to measure the surface elevation using the synthetic Schlieren method and separately using a confocal displacement sensor. The results show that viscosity and elasticity have a minor impact on the wavelength of radiating waves and a major impact on the amplitude of the decaying waves in the far field. Viscosity dampens the waves to decay exponentially at a rate that depends sensitively on the surface elasticity. The findings may serve as a foundation for studying the range of perception and communication by various organisms on the water surface.
