TY - JOUR
T1 - Heat transfer in the seabed boundary layer
AU - Michele, S.
AU - Stuhlmeier, R.
AU - Borthwick, A. G.L.
PY - 2021/12/10
Y1 - 2021/12/10
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
UR - https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/context/secam-research/article/1466/viewcontent/Temperature_diffusion__Final_1.pdf
U2 - 10.1017/jfm.2021.842
DO - 10.1017/jfm.2021.842
M3 - Article
SN - 0022-1120
VL - 928
JO - Journal of Fluid Mechanics
JF - Journal of Fluid Mechanics
IS - 0
ER -