Numerical simulation of ultrasonic experiments on poroelastic samples

Abstract

Since the theory of dynamic poroelasticity was developed by M. Biot some 40 years ago, the existence of the type II or slow compressional wave (P2-wave or SCW) remains the most controversial of its predictions. This prediction was confirmed experimentally when SCW was observed in ultrasonic experiments by Plona (1980), and later by Rasolofosaon (1988) and others. Theoretical analysis shows that the observed vaveltimes of the SCW are consistent with Biot theory. And yet, the very existence of the SCW remains a mystery to many geophysicists and acousticians alike. The purpose of this paper is to further verify the predictions of Biot theory by accurate numerical simulations of the ultrasonic experiments in which SCW was observed.