Laboratory Investigations of Whitecaps, Spray and Capillary Waves

摘要

Laboratory investigations of whitecaps, spray and capillary waves were conducted in the wind and wave facility at the University of Florida. The percent whitecap area coverage was obtained by taking photographs of the water surface and calibrating for the photographed area distortion. Spray was measured by using a constant temperature hot-wire anemometer system. Calibration was achieved by generating uniform size drops with capillary tubes of different sizes and a crystal vibrator. Capillary waves were investigated by a laser-optical device with a frequency response greater than 100 Hz. The device was designed for the purpose of investigating the dependence of capillary waves on the wind speed. (Author Modified Abstract)