Progress in acoustic measurements and geoacoustic applications

Abstract Geoacoustic exploration is a rapidly evolving field investigating underground rock formations and sediment environments through acoustic waves. In this paper, we present a review of recent research progress, focusing on newly discovered physical phenomena, such as the reflection and refraction of acoustic waves at the interface between anisotropic rocks and between liquid and solid, the characteristics of electric-acoustic (and acoustic-electric) conversion of piezoelectric transducers, the physical mechanism of acoustic wave propagation in viscous media, and the generation of intrinsic noise. We developed new physical models, introduced a parallel transmission network describing piezoelectric transducers for electric-acoustic (and acoustic-electric) energy transfer, and derived new formulations and algorithms associated with the latest model. We will discuss the potential of abnormal incidence angle, acoustic attenuation, and acoustic Goos-Hänchen effect and propose a method of inversion of formation reflection coefficient using logging and seismic data acquired from anisotropic rocks with dip angle. We will also discuss the physical mechanism and potential applications of the intrinsic noise generated inside viscous solid media. Finally, we introduce a parallel/series lumped vibrational transmission network, explain the acoustic measurement process, and discuss applications of the Kaiser effect in petroleum engineering.