Investigation of the mechanisms of sea spray generation induced by wind-wave interaction in laboratory conditions

Abstract

The paper presents the results of investigations of the mechanisms of spray of droplets generation within wind wave interaction obtained under laboratory conditions on the High-speed Wind-Wave Flume of the Institute of Applied Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. For the research, a multi-angle high-speed video system used together shadow method, including underwater illumination. The results allowed for the classification of mechanismsleading to the formation of droplets. Three main types of phenomena responsible for the generation of the spume droplets near the wave crest were specified: breakage of liquid ligaments, bursting of large submerged bubbles, and bag breakup. The last and less known mechanism claims to be dominant for high wind speeds and it was described in detail.