Surface tension meanders - a computer simulation

Abstract

Surface tension meanders are used as a basis for studying the meander phenomenon. Experimental work has led to the formation of the hypothesis that the deterministic component of meandering may be explained by the combined action of centrifugal and gravity forces on a developing bend. A mathematical model of a surface tension stream is developed and incorporated into a computer programme to simulate the development and growth of a disturbance in a stream into a series of meanders. The development of a meander sequence downstream of such a disturbance, and the asymmetric nature of meanders developed in high viscosity fluid, is investigated with this model.