Wave data: The measurement of the reflection and attenuation coefficients for water waves in a terminated channel

Measurements of water waves in experimental hydrodynamic basins are often complicated by reflections and frictional attenuation. The mathematics for a method for determining the coefficients of reflection and attenuation in a terminated channel are given. The main assumption is that plane waves are propagating parallel to the sides of a channel. In the case of a wide channel, attenuation will be a small effect and, in the case of a long narrow channel, end reflection may not be observable. The attenuation, as a function of distance, is assumed to be exponential.