Heat transfer in the seabed boundary layer. (10th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Michele, S.; Stuhlmeier, R.; Borthwick, A.G.L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of fluid mechanics. Volume 928(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12-10
• Subjects: wave-structure interactions -- coastal engineering; Fluid mechanics -- Periodicals; 532.005
• DOI: 10.1017/jfm.2021.842
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1120

Abstract

Abstract: Abstract : We present a theoretical model of the temperature distribution in the boundary layer region close to the seabed. Using a perturbation expansion, multiple scales and similarity variables, we show how free-surface waves enhance heat transfer between seawater and a seabed with a solid, horizontal, smooth surface. Maximum heat exchange occurs at a fixed frequency depending on ocean depth, and does not increase monotonically with the length and phase speed of propagating free-surface waves. Close agreement is found between predictions by the analytical model and a finite-difference scheme. It is found that free-surface waves can substantially affect the spatial evolution of temperature in the seabed boundary layer. This suggests a need to extend existing models that neglect the effects of a wave field, especially in view of practical applications in engineering and oceanography.