I’m currently studying internal wave generation in the ocean by three-dimensional topography. I do experiments and numerical simulations to characterize 3D internal wave fields. From here, the challenge is to extract results from laboratory-scale experiments and predict full-scale flows in the ocean. Of special interest are intense second harmonic waves that are generated in the direction perpendicular to tidal forcing.
“Second harmonic internal wave generation by a three-dimensional Gaussian mountain.”
Benjamin King, H. P. Zhang, and Harry L. Swinney. In preparation.
“Tidal flow over three-dimensional topography in a stratified fluid.”
Benjamin King, H. P. Zhang, and Harry L. Swinney. Submitted to Phys. Fluids.
“Resonant generation of internal wave on a model continental slope,”
H. P. Zhang, B. King and Harry L. Swinney. Physical Review Letters 100, 244504 (2008).
“Experimental study of internal gravity waves generated by supercritical topography”
H. P. Zhang, B. King and Harry L. Swinney. Physics of Fluids 19, 096602 (2007).
Ph. D. Candidate, physics 2005 – present
B. S. Physics, Summa Cum Laude
Texas A&M University, 2005
University of Texas Graduate Continuing Fellowship, 2009-2010