SFB 1313 Publication "Acoustic waves in saturated porous media with gas bubbles"

New joint publication by the University of Stuttgart, the University of Bremen and the University of Dortmund, published in Philosophical Transcations A (Royal Societey). The work has been developed within the SFB/TR TRR 188 and the SFB 1313 research projects B05 and Z02 (PML).

"Acoustic waves in saturated porous media with gas bubbles"

Authors

• Patrick Kurzeja (University of Bremen/University of Dortmund)
• Holger Steeb (University of Stuttgart, SFB 1313 research projects B05, C05, Z02)

Abstract

The present framework employs various interface characteristics of gas bubbles into a continuum description of acoustics in porous media. It first extends the bubble compressibility in classic models by surface tension and higher-order curvature effects. This modeling extension is significantly relevant to estimate the impact of interface effects, e.g., on emerging nano-scale bubbles or pickering emulsions. The gas bubble dynamics is then homogenized to derive a manageable set of continuum equations. Respective assumptions and limitations are summarized in this process to provide a quick reference when choosing the compromise between a model’s complexity and applicability. The acoustic response of a water-saturated sandstone with gas bubbles is finally evaluated with respect to the practical importance at ambient and reservoir conditions. The shape of the bubble-size distribution is represented in the evolution of the inverse quality factor but less distinct in the dispersion of the phase velocity. The presented, rigorous framework thus allows to predict what frequencies and acoustic properties relate to specific gas bubble sizes and whether respective signals may be detected with current apparatus.