Final answer:
The experiment to determine the minimum duration for wind waves to reach full development involves using a fetch greater than the minimum required, constant wind conditions, and measuring the time until the waves no longer grow in size. Repeat for accuracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
To set up an experiment for determining the minimum duration for wind waves to reach full development (FD), you need to select a fetch that is long enough such that it is no longer the limiting factor for wave growth. Referencing the results from HW#18 on the minimum fetch required for FD, the fetch chosen for this experiment should exceed that value to ensure it does not contribute to wave growth.
The experimental setup would involve an area with constant wind direction and speed over a body of water with the predetermined minimum fetch. Measure the time it takes for waves to reach a steady-state condition, where no further growth in wave height, period, or wavelength is observed. This would be the minimum duration required for FD under those specific wind conditions. Instruments needed would include an anemometer for measuring wind speed, a wave buoy or similar device to measure wave characteristics, and a timer to measure the duration.
To reduce errors and account for variability, repeat the experiment multiple times and take the average of the measured durations to ascertain the most accurate value for the minimum required duration for full wave development.