Reflection of an arterial pressure wave ($p_{-}/p_{+}=(RY-1)/(RY+1)$)

A hydraulic resistance $R$ imposes $q=p/R$. Combining this with forward and backward arterial pressure waves, $p=p_{+}+p_{-}$ and $q=Y(p_{+}-p_{-})$, gives the displayed reflection coefficient. A matched load $RY=1$ has no reflected pressure wave, while a closed end has reflection coefficient one. At a network junction the combined downstream input admittance replaces $1/R$.