Pressure wave propagation in a fluid flowing through a porous medium and problems related to interpretation of Stoneley's wave attenuation in acoustical well logging

Abstract A theoretical study is presented for the propagation of pressure waves in a fluid flowing through a porous medium, with special emphasis on the problems related to the interpretation of the attenuation mechanism of Stoneley's wave in acoustical well logging. Some relevant results regarding the effects of porous medium permeability and fluid viscosity on the pressure wave behaviour in porous formations, generated by Stoneley's wave along the interface separating fluid-saturated porous medium from borehole fluid, are shown. The conditions under which the permeability may be evaluated from Stoneley's wave attenuation, recorded in the acoustical well logging, are also pointed out and discussed.

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