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Stability of stratified shear flows

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Abstract

The concept of stability is discussed and results of the linear inviscid theory are reviewed. Examples are given to illustrate the point that ‘stable stratification’ can, in some circumstances, be destabilizing due to the vorticity generated by non-homogeneity. The linear initial value problem is discussed and related to the more usual normal mode approach. Finally, the weakly non-linear theory and the non-linear critical layer theory are outlined.

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Howard, L.N., Maslowe, S.A. Stability of stratified shear flows. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 4, 511–523 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02265252

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