Acoustic approximation

Abstract: A wave equation, derived using the acoustic medium assumption for P-waves in transversely isotropic (TI) media with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI media), yields a good kinematic approximation to the familiar elastic wave equation for VTI media. The wavefield solutions obtained using this VTI acoustic wave equation are free of shear waves, which significantly reduces the computation time compared to the elastic wavefield solutions for exploding‐reflector type applications. From this VTI acoustic wave equation, the eikonal and transport equations that describe the ray theoretical aspects of wave propagation in a TI medium are derived. These equations, based on the acoustic assumption (shear wave velocity = 0), are much simpler than their elastic counterparts, yet they yield an accurate description of traveltimes and geometrical amplitudes. Numerical examples prove the usefulness of this acoustic equation in simulating the kinematic aspects of wave propagation in complex TI models.

Abstract: This is the first of a series of papers giving the solution of the inverse problem in seismic exploration. The acoustic approximation is used together with the assumption that the velocity field has the form . The forward problem is then linearized (thus neglecting multiple reflected waves) and the inverse problem of estimating δ is set up. Its rigorous solution can be obtained using an iterative algorithm, each step consisting of a classical Kirchhoff migration (hyperbola summation) plus a classical forward modeling step (circle summation).

Abstract: Some numerical solutions are presented which describe the flow in the vicinity of a collapsing spherical bubble in water. The bubble is assumed to contain a small amount of gas and the solutions are taken beyond the point where the bubble reaches its minimum radius up to the stage where a pressure wave forms which propagates outwards into the liquid. The motion during collapse, up to the point where the minimum radius is attained, is determined by solving the equations of motion both in the Lagrangian and in the characteristic form. These are found to be in good agreement with each other and also with the approximate theory of Gilmore which is shown to be accurate over a wide range of Mach number. The liquid flow during the rebound, which occurs after the minimum radius has been attained, is determined from a solution of the Lagrangian equations. It is shown that an acoustic approximation is valid even for fairly high pressures, and this fact is used to determine the peak intensity of the pressure wave as it moves outwards at a distance from the center of collapse. It is estimated in the case of typical cavitation bubbles that such intensities are sufficient to cause cavitation damage.

Abstract: The velocity and pressure field in a slightly compressible liquid resulting from the collapse of a spherical bubble is computed as a function of the pressure at the bubble wall, using the acoustic approximation. The results are accurate as long as the liquid velocities are small compared to the sonic velocity in the liquid; they agree with the results previously obtained by C. Herring.The following bubble model is then investigated. The bubble is supposed filled with inviscid perfect non‐conducting gas; special emphasis is given to the gas motion which involves a series of shock waves. A fraction of the energy of compression is thus degraded so that the radius of the bubble after the first rebound is somewhat less than the original radius. The pressure variation at the bubble wall is virtually the same as if the gas were compressed uniformly and isentropically.