Method and system for geophysical and geologic modeling
First Claim
1. A sub-surface modeling system, comprising:
- a scale model of a portion of the earth, comprising a plurality of structures therein in contact with one another, said plurality of structures having differing acoustic velocities relative to one another;
an input/output device, having an active surface at which are located a plurality of piezoelectric elements for imparting ultrasonic energy to said scale model, and for detecting the imparted ultrasonic energy after it has traveled through a portion of said scale model, said plurality of piezoelectric elements associated with a plurality of surface locations of the scale model when imparting energy thereto or detecting imparted energy thereat; and
a data processing system connected to input/output device, for generating an image of the scale model from the detected ultrasonic energy.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for using sonography to image the internal structure of geophysical and geologic models are disclosed. The sonography system includes a wand having a plurality of piezoelectric elements at an active surface thereof, each coupled to driver/receiver circuitry. Certain of the piezoelectric elements are selected as ultrasonic sources and receivers; the source/receiver designation may vary over time, as each of the elements may either generate or receive acoustic energy. A computer system, connected to the wand, receives signals from the receivers corresponding to reflected and refracted ultrasonic energy, and generates a zero offset trace image therefrom. In the geophysical case, the scale model is formed of materials such as plastics and rubbers having the desired properties for simulating the response of a portion or layer in the earth to ultrasonic vibrations. Sonography serves to measure the actual structure of the geophysical model, so that the effectiveness of seismic survey designs and data processing techniques may be evaluated. In the geologic case, the model is formed of clays, and a force applied thereto from one side. Sonography allows for real-time visibility into the internal structure of the model during the application of the force, so that the internal dynamics can be monitored. Dry sand geologic models can utilize sonographic inspection via a metal plate on the bottom of the model, which provides coupling of the ultrasonic energy into the dry sand bed.
9 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A sub-surface modeling system, comprising:
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a scale model of a portion of the earth, comprising a plurality of structures therein in contact with one another, said plurality of structures having differing acoustic velocities relative to one another; an input/output device, having an active surface at which are located a plurality of piezoelectric elements for imparting ultrasonic energy to said scale model, and for detecting the imparted ultrasonic energy after it has traveled through a portion of said scale model, said plurality of piezoelectric elements associated with a plurality of surface locations of the scale model when imparting energy thereto or detecting imparted energy thereat; and a data processing system connected to input/output device, for generating an image of the scale model from the detected ultrasonic energy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification