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Observation of Star-Shaped Surface Gravity Waves

Jean Rajchenbach, Didier Clamond, and Alphonse Leroux
Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 094502 – Published 28 February 2013; Erratum Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 199901 (2013)
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Abstract

We report a new type of standing gravity wave of large amplitude, having alternatively the shape of a star and of a polygon. This wave is observed by means of a laboratory experiment by vertically vibrating a tank. The symmetry of the star (i.e., the number of branches) is independent of the container form and size, and can be changed according to the amplitude and frequency of the vibration. We show that a nonlinear resonant coupling between three gravity waves can be envisaged to trigger the observed symmetry breaking, although more complex interactions certainly take place in the final periodic state.

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  • Received 26 June 2012
  • Corrected 16 April 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.094502

© 2013 American Physical Society

Corrections

16 April 2013

Erratum

Publisher’s Note: Observation of Star-Shaped Surface Gravity Waves [Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 094502 (2013)]

Jean Rajchenbach, Didier Clamond, and Alphonse Leroux
Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 199901 (2013)

Synopsis

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Star-Shaped Waves

Published 28 February 2013

Vertical shaking of a liquid-filled container can generate a standing wave pattern of stars and polygons.

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Authors & Affiliations

Jean Rajchenbach1,*, Didier Clamond2, and Alphonse Leroux1

  • 1Laboratoire de Physique de la Matière Condensée (CNRS UMR 7336) Université de Nice—Sophia Antipolis, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France
  • 2Laboratoire Jean-Alexandre Dieudonné (CNRS UMR 7351) Université de Nice—Sophia Antipolis, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France

  • *Corresponding author. Jean.Rajchenbach@unice.fr

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Issue

Vol. 110, Iss. 9 — 1 March 2013

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