Two-dimensional (2-D) gravity–capillary solitary waves are generated using a moving pressure jet from a 2-D narrow slit as a forcing onto the surface of deep water. The forcing moves horizontally over the surface of the deep water at speeds close to the minimum phase speed $c_{min}=23~\text{cm}~\text{s}^{-1}$. Four different states are observed according to the forcing speed. At relatively low speeds below $c_{min}$, small-amplitude depressions are observed and they move steadily just below the moving forcing. As the forcing speed increases towards $c_{min}$, nonlinear 2-D gravity–capillary solitary waves are observed, and they move steadily behind the moving forcing. When the forcing speed is very close to $c_{min}$, periodic shedding of a 2-D local depression is observed behind the moving forcing. Finally, at relatively high speeds above $c_{min}$, a pair of short and long linear waves is observed, respectively ahead of and behind the moving forcing. In addition, we observe the transverse instability of free 2-D gravity–capillary solitary waves and, further, the resultant formation of three-dimensional gravity–capillary solitary waves. These experimental observations are compared with numerical results based on a model equation that admits gravity–capillary solitary wave solutions near $c_{min}$. They agree with each other very well. In particular, based on a linear stability analysis, we give a theoretical proof for the transverse instability of the 2-D gravity–capillary solitary waves on deep water.
Three-dimensional gravity-capillary solitary waves in water of finite depth and related problems