Recent content by quid

Hi guys, I have been reading up on the KdV equation and everywhere it states that the waves need to be 'weakly nonlinear and weakly disspersive.' From a physical point of view does this mean that the wave amplitude must be small? If that is the case how would one model large solitons...

Right, Thanks toombs

Sorry I was very new to the topic earlier and had no real idea. I have done some reading and I think I am progressing in terms of understanding. My main remaining question is this: Can I predict the amplitude of the solitons using the KdV equation? I mean the solution to the equation gives...

Could someone please tell me the fundamental differences between linear and non-linear waves?

Thanks but that didnt really answer my question on whether or not Cnoidal waves travel without dispersing?

Hi all, Im just wondering if someone could explain the difference between Cnoidal waves and solitons. I know that a soliton is self-reinforcing and can theoretically 'travel forever'. I am wondering as Cnoidal waves can be solutions of the KdV equation whether they are similar. Thanks

Thanks Bobbywhy.

Hi all, I am quite new to the topic of solitary waves. All I know is that somehow equations like the KdV equation give solutions to predict the behaviour of solitary waves. I have read in a couple of places that the velocity of the wave is proportional to the wave height. I am wondering...

No worries :) So where do I go from here? ha I mean I don't really see what I can do with the solution when I don't know any of the variables?

Sorry I'm absolutely struggling today. One with the equation format on the forum. and two just in general. So I now sub in eta into the KdV equation for water waves in order to solve for amplitude for a certain wave velocity, time and displacement?

Is is not: {c_0} = \sqrt {gh_0} ??

Any derivation is fine. I just am getting confused as there is so many all involving different parameters. I'm hoping I can just use the solutions already discovered by other methods?

No the derivation is not too important. The fluid mechanics is what I need to get my head around. I plan to run and experiment by running a pressure source through an open channel of water to generate solitons. What I need to predict (to certain accuracy) is the soliton height, velocity...

Fluid mechanics. My maths obviously isn't up to scratch. I can use MatLab too if that helps.

Sorry mate, still pretty lost. Can you elaborate?