Full Waveform Acoustic Logging - From Theory To Applications

Abstract

This report contains results from the third year of the Full Waveform Acoustic Logging Consortium and rock physics studies at M.J.T. This year marks the completion of the first phase of the project which has been directed primarily to the understanding of the basic theoretical aspects of acoustic waves in a borehole. With such a background we are ready to emphasize applications as well as to undertake special problems which require new and different theoretical approaches. As examples of the latter, we can mention uncentered tools, vertical fractures around boreholes, thinly bedded formations and anisotropy. The third year studies fall into four general areas: theoretical aspects of wave propagation in the borehole, applications to the characterization of formations, integrated log analysis and physical properties of sedimentary rocks relevant to logging. There are fifteen papers in this report which discuss individual topics in detail. In this introduction we summarize the major points and also list the potential applications of full waveform acoustic logs and future directions of our research.