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Refraction Coefficient Formula:
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The Refraction Coefficient is a parameter used to describe how waves change direction as they propagate from deep water into shallower water near the coastline. It quantifies the bending of wave rays due to changes in water depth.
The calculator uses the refraction coefficient formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how wave rays converge or diverge as they move from deep to shallow water, affecting wave height and direction.
Details: Accurate refraction coefficient calculation is crucial for coastal engineering, wave energy prediction, shoreline management, and understanding how waves transform as they approach the coast.
Tips: Enter the distance between two rays at deepwater and at the point of interest in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What does a refraction coefficient greater than 1 indicate?
A: A coefficient greater than 1 indicates wave convergence, where wave rays are coming closer together, potentially increasing wave height.
Q2: What does a refraction coefficient less than 1 indicate?
A: A coefficient less than 1 indicates wave divergence, where wave rays are spreading apart, potentially decreasing wave height.
Q3: How does water depth affect wave refraction?
A: As waves move into shallower water, their speed decreases, causing them to bend (refract) toward areas of shallower depth.
Q4: What are typical values for the refraction coefficient?
A: Values typically range from 0.5 to 1.5, depending on the bathymetry and wave conditions.
Q5: How is this used in coastal engineering?
A: Refraction coefficients help predict wave heights and directions along coastlines, which is essential for designing coastal structures and understanding sediment transport.