Earth surface displacement generated by propagation of acoustic plane waves within a gas-filled buried pipe (experimental)

Abstract

An abandoned water line, 1000 ft in length, consisting of 2-in.-i.d. steel pipe buried a depth of approximately 3 ft, has been used to investigate the magnitude of earth surface accelerations generated by propagation of plane acoustic waves in the gas contained within the pipe. Measurements have been made of the attenuation of the acoustic waves, of the radial and longitudinal acceleration of the walls of the pipe, and of the acceleration at the earth's surface over a frequency range of 200–2000 Hz at a point 120 ft from the acoustic source. Results of this investigation have indicated that, in general, radiation from the pipe walls is large compared to that calculated from theory for a small hole in the pipe. A general description of the facility and experimental measurements will be presented. [Work supported by the American Gas Association.]