An Automated Ultrasonic Pulse Measurement System

Abstract

Many applications of ultrasonic pulse techniques for studying the elastic behavior of rock have already been disclosed by Hughes et al (1950, 1951, 1952, 1957), Birch (1960, 1961), Simmons (1964 a, b, 1965), Christensen (1965, 1966a & b), and others. Although similar ultrasonic pulse measurement systems have been described by Tocher (1957), Fairhurst (1961), and Gregory (1967), the system described in this paper is automatic and permits continuous monitoring of elastic wave traveltime. Once set up, the system can record elastic wave traveltime at a preset rate for nearly any time period without intervention by an operator. This automated system has been used to study effects of environment on longitudinal pulse velocity in several rocks (Podnieks et al, 1968) and to make other preliminary investigations of longitudinal pulse velocity variations in rock under external influences. This report notes also several applications to problems of current interest to investigators of the elastic properties of rock.

P-wave velocity test for assessment of geotechnical properties of some rock materials

“…The method is also commonly used for determination of rock weathering degree and rock mass characterization (Turk and Dearman 1986;Karpuz and Pasamehmetoglu 1997;Boadu 1997). Thill and Bur (1969) stated that the P-wave velocity changes with porosity and degree of saturation. Lama and Vutukuri (1978) indicated that the wetting of rock usually leads to a rise in the P-wave velocity.…”

The correlations between the saturated and dry P-wave velocity of rocks

“…Wyllie et al [29] clearly indicated that the velocity of fluid saturated rocks was dependent on the ratio between the velocity of rock and the velocity of pore fluid. Thill and Bur [30] examined the influence of saturation on pulse velocity in St. Cloud granodiorite.…”

Effect of the specimen length on ultrasonic P-wave velocity in some volcanic rocks and limestones

“…Thill and Bur (1969) researched the effect of water saturation on sound velocity for granodiorite. The authors indicated the UPV changes considerably with porosity and degree of saturation although intact rock has only a minute amount of porosity.…”