In the experiments of a water storage cylindrical shell, excited by a horizontal external force of sufficient large amplitude and high frequency, it has been observed that gravity water waves of low frequencies may be generated. This paper intends to investigate this phenomenon in order to reveal its mechanism. Considering nonlinear fluid–structure interactions, we derive the governing equations and the numerical equations describing the dynamics of the system, using a variational principle. Following the developed generalized equations, a four-mode approximation model is proposed with which an experimental case example is studied. Numerical calculation and spectrum analysis demonstrate that an external excitation with sufficient large amplitude and high frequency can produce gravity water waves with lower frequencies. The excitation magnitude and frequencies required for onset of the gravity waves are found based on the model. Transitions betweendifferent gravity waves are also revealed through the numerical analysis. The findings developed by this method are validated by available experimental observations.
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