| Abstract: | The propagation of solitary waves is investigated on the basis of a nonlinear system of equations of hyperbolic type describing the motion of the crest of a solitary wave over the surface of a liquid of variable depth [1]. The existence of solutions with discontinuities, the boundary conditions at which are introduced on the basis of [2, 3], is assumed. In the case of an infinite cylindrical ridge both solitary and periodic captured waves are found. Depending upon the height of the ridge and the parameters of the wave, the encounter between a uniform wave and a semi-infinite ridge yields qualitatively different solutions — continuous and discontinuous, where the primary wave is broken down by the ridge into several solitary waves. The amplitude of the wave may either increase or decrease over the ridge.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 1, pp. 36–93, January–February, 1985.The author is grateful to A. G. Kulikovskii and A. A. Barmin for their interest in his work, useful discussions and valuable comments offered during the preparation of the article for the press. |
