Time-Reversal of Nonlinear Water Waves

Time-reversal (TR) refocusing of hydrodynamic nonlinear waves can be discussed within the framework of the nonlinear Schr\"{o}dinger equation (NLS). Indeed, exact solutions of the latter weakly nonlinear evolution equation can be used to study the applicability and limitations of wave refocusing using TR mirrors in hydrodynamics. Recent laboratory experiments confirmed the applicability of TR approach to breathers, known to model extreme and doubly-localized wave configurations. In order to study the range of validity of the TR approach to nonlinear waves, a numerical study using a unidirectional numerical water wave tank, implemented by the higher-order spectral method, reveals new insights to the problem. The validity of the TR approach is assessed over a diversity of NLS configurations, ranging from stationary envelope and breathing solutions, pointing out the importance of higher-order dispersive and particularly nonlinear effects in the refocusing of these hydrodynamic localized structures. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the approach several applications in other nonlinear dispersive physical media may result in addition to evident usage in the field of ocean engineering.