| Abstract: | The breakdown of propagating internal waves is studied using linear stability analysis and direct numerical simulations. Sinusoidal wave trains in a uniformly stratified, non-rotating environment are considered. Cases are addressed with differing wave amplitudes and directions of propagation. For large-amplitude waves it is found that the primary instabilities are both two- and three-dimensional. It is also found that there is no qualitative difference in the breakdown process for waves with amplitude slightly below or slightly above the amplitude of incipient overturning. For the parameter regimes considered, the breakdown process could not be attributed to convective or shear instability alone, but a combination of the two. Owing to the growth of instabilities, local patches of statically unstable fluid and also of intense shear form, leading ultimately to local patches of turbulence. |
