Resonant Column Testing of Dynamic Rock Properties

by D. V. Morris, Texas A&M Univ, College Station, United States,
J. G. Delphia, Texas A&M Univ, College Station, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering Mechanics

Abstract:

Critical parameters for geophysical wave propagation studies are the dynamic elastic properties (shear and Young's moduli, and Poisson's ratio) and the intrinsic material damping of rocks. To determine these parameters for two different types of sandstone and an acrylic plastic, which was used as a reference standard, laboratory tests were carried out by means of resonant column testing. Surprisingly high values of material damping were measured for the sandstones, 20% to 40%, which is greater than normally assumed in geophysical analysis. Values of the elastic moduli and Poisson's ratio corresponded more closely to usual expectations. Important variables were found to be the degree of saturation, temperature, confining pressure and strain level. In addition, it was possible to obtain extremely low values of damping under vacuum conditions, which implies that rock damping is associated at the microscopic level with energy dissipation due to viscous movement of the pore fluid.

Subject Headings: Rock properties | Dynamic properties | Damping | Material properties | Wave propagation | Resonance | Elasticity and Inelasticity

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