Introduction

A method for solving wave scattering problems in which the solution can be solve in various regions using separation of variables. The solution in these regions are then matched at various boundaries. The simplest problem is in Wavemaker Theory, but the separation of variables is also described in Dispersion Relation for a Free Surface

The method is described in Linton and McIver 2001. All that is required is that the domain consists of water of constant depth and that there are suitable conditions that we can separate variables. For each problem considered, the simplest case is the semi-infinite domain on one side and open water on the other, and it is this problem that we focus on in particular. The problem can then be extended to a finite domain, using Symmetry in Two Dimension and the problem can also be extended to circular regions in three-dimensions.

The method is also called the mode matching method.