Description
Classify the phase sign of a real amplitude reflection coefficient, retaining an explicit zero-reflection flag.
Wave phase can be expressed in cycles, degrees, or radians. A change of time origin or propagation distance changes phase according to an explicit sign convention. Wrapped phase identifies a location within one cycle; unwrapped phase retains the signed number of cycles.
Classify the phase sign of a real amplitude reflection coefficient, retaining an explicit zero-reflection flag.
When to use this tool
Use Wave Boundary Phase Inversion Flag when you need the stated phase conversion or one wave-model factor with an explicit time and direction convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter reflectionCoefficient. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read inverted, zeroReflection, phaseRadians. Inspect inverted, zeroReflection before interpreting the associated values.
For reflectionCoefficient within -1 through one return inverted=(coefficient<0), zeroReflection=(coefficient===0), and phaseRadians=pi if negative, otherwise zero.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| reflectionCoefficient | Reflection Coefficient | Required. Finite number; minimum -1; maximum 1. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| inverted | Inverted | Required. Boolean. |
| zeroReflection | Zero Reflection | Required. Boolean. |
| phaseRadians | Pi for negative real reflection; zero at zero reflection is a placeholder. | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"reflectionCoefficient": -0.5
},
"output": {
"inverted": true,
"zeroReflection": false,
"phaseRadians": 3.141592653589793
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- The coefficient is a real amplitude coefficient. At zero reflection, zero phase is a placeholder with no reflected wave; complex coefficients and frequency-dependent phase are unsupported.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Signed zero is exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Write the full wave convention, coordinate direction, and time origin before comparing phases. A signal-estimation task also needs actual sampled observations and an appropriate fitting method.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Wave Relative Phase Time Shift
Shift the phase of a cos(omega*t+phase) wave when the supplied time coordinate is advanced.
- Wave Phase Time Origin Sign
Phase offset after substituting old time = new time + supplied origin shift.