Viscous Effects Can Destabilize Linear and Nonlinear Water Waves

Long waves on a running stream in shallow water are shown theoretically to be susceptible, in some circumstances, to a viscous instability, which can lead to rapid linear and nonlinear growth. The theory is based on high Reynolds numbers and involves viscous-inviscid interplay, leading in effect to a viscosity-modified version of the classical nonlinear K dV equation. This is with a pre-existing mean flow present. The modification is due to a Stokes wall layer and it can cause severe linear and nonlinear instability. A model profile for the original mean flow is studied first, followed by a smooth realistic profile, the latter provoking a nonlinear critical layer in addition. The theory is linked with interactive-boundary-layer analysis and linear and nonlinear Tollmien-Schlichting waves and there is some analogy with the recent findings (in work by the authors) of nonlinear break-ups occurring in any unsteady interactive boundary layer, including the external boundary layer and internal channel or pipe flows.