Experimental mixing parameterization due to multiphase fluid–structure interactions

Experimental estimates of the rate at which energy is extracted from the barotropic tide at corrugated sloping topography are presented. To this end, a series of experimental simulations of the process of generation of internal tides (i.e., internal waves of the tidal frequency) over a corrugated slope in stratified fluid were performed. An oceanic interior is modeled as four-layer stratified fluid. The main focus in these studies was to obtain the relation for the potential energy available for mixing as a function of a slope of a corrugated slope. The available potential energy available for partial mixing to the topographic slope was compared with the available potential energy sufficient for complete mixing of the four layers. The experimental data were compared with the analytic results of a linear theory and found in agreement with a recent theoretically predicted scenario showing that the dominant contribution of the energy distribution in internal wave field resides in waves of the lowest allowed frequency.

Research highlights
► The process of the fluid dynamics of internal wave generation and mixing parameterization due to background flow over a three-dimensional corrugated slope.
► The relation for the potential energy available for mixing as a function of a slope of a corrugated slope.
► Improvement of our observational knowledge of the spatial mixing parameterization in costal areas of the ocean.
► Experimental validation of analytical predictions.