Decoupling Method for Scalar Wave Equation in Inhomogeneous Media

Abstract

Summary Inhomogeneity is a common characteristic of the underground media. In order to study the propagation characteristics of the waves in continuous media, The elastic wave equation of heterogeneous media is established based on the basic equation in earth media mechanics. The elastic parameters in continuous media are spatially variable. Then, according to the acoustic approximation, the scalar wave equation expressed by displacement is established, and the scalar wave frequency-wavenumber domain propagation operator is established by decoupling solution method. Thus, we get the scalar wave equation describing P-wave propagation in continuous medium. The accuracy of this method is proved by comparing with the scalar wave equation in homogeneous media and variable density wave equation.