• Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.96-104
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• 1996

Hamilton's principle is used to derive Euler-Lagrange equations for free surface flow problems of incompressible ideal fluid. The velocity field is chosen to satisfy the continuity equation a priori. This approach results in a hierarchial set of governing equations consist of two evolution equations with respect to two canonical variables and corresponding boundary value problems. The free surface elevation and the Lagrange's multiplier are the canonical variables in Hamilton's sense. This Lagrange's multiplier is a velocity potential defined on the free surface. Energy is conserved as a consequence of the Hamiltonian structure. These equations can be applied to waves in water of finite depth including generalization of Hamilton's equations given by Miles and Salmon.