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Reflection Coefficient Formula:
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The Reflection Coefficient (Plane Slope-Monochromatic Waves) is a parameter that quantifies the ratio of reflected wave energy to incident wave energy when a wave encounters a sloping shoreline or structure. It helps in understanding how much wave energy is reflected back from coastal structures.
The calculator uses the reflection coefficient formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the reflection coefficient based on the Iribarren number, which characterizes wave breaking on slopes.
Details: Accurate calculation of reflection coefficient is crucial for coastal engineering design, predicting wave behavior near structures, and assessing the impact of reflected waves on navigation and shoreline stability.
Tips: Enter the Surf Similarity Number (Iribarren Number) value. The value must be non-negative.
Q1: What is the Iribarren Number?
A: The Iribarren Number is a dimensionless parameter used to model several effects of (breaking) surface gravity waves on beaches and coastal structures.
Q2: What are typical values for reflection coefficient?
A: Reflection coefficient values range from 0 (no reflection) to 1 (complete reflection), with most coastal structures having values between 0.1 and 0.8.
Q3: When is this formula applicable?
A: This formula is specifically designed for plane slopes with monochromatic waves and provides good estimates for many coastal engineering applications.
Q4: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: The formula may be less accurate for very steep or very mild slopes, and for irregular wave conditions that differ from monochromatic assumptions.
Q5: How does slope angle affect reflection?
A: Generally, steeper slopes result in higher reflection coefficients as more wave energy is reflected rather than dissipated.