Back to results

University of South Wales

Seismic wave modelling using finite difference methods

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The main aim of the thesis is to determine the most satisfactory numerical approach to model numerically seismic wave propagation, and also to ascertain if rock interfaces could be inferred from signals received at a geophone.<br/><br/>We mainly employ two different models together, namely the "Parsimonious staggered grid" and the "Box" model. So far as we are aware nobody else has studied these two models in conjunction and this is a particularly novel aspect of this work. Also this approach enhances flexibility and accuracy of the numerical solution.<br/><br/>We consider the propagation of seismic waves in both 2-D and 3-D coordinate systems and include the use of boreholes for the source of signals, and also for geophones. One goal of this work was to begin to fill in this gap by including simple borehole configurations within elastic media our new approach modelling, which we have completed successfully.<br/><br/>We investigate the appropriateness of the different boundary conditions used to manufacture a finite computational domain. The Reynolds ABCs are found to be marginally better than Clayton-Engquist ABCs and are stable in all cases for our approach. We also adopt a scaling technique with variable grid geometry so as to extend the scope of the domain under consideration. The approach can prove most useful in single borehole modelling if used with care.<br/><br/>We also consider particularly the interface boundary conditions for 2-D coordinate systems and some of the models used by other researchers. Where possible we compare our work with that of others. These conditions proved stable for both 2-D acoustic and elastic wave propagation and enhanced interface reflections.<br/><br/>Strong interface reflections were visible in all Cartesian seismograms though somewhat weaker in the case of cylindrical coordinates.

Degree

thesis:*
Name dc:type.qualificationname
Doctoral Thesis
Level dc:type.qualificationlevel
Student thesis
Year dc:date.issued
1998

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Demir, Ismail

Rights

Language dc:language
eng

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Identifier
oai:pure.atira.dk:studenttheses/ed10cfba-9e2c-40ef-a7aa-354f4edf9afe
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:pure.atira.dk:studenttheses/ed10cfba-9e2c-40ef-a7aa-354f4edf9afe

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of South Wales
Base URL
pure.southwales.ac.uk/ws/oai
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Demir, Ismail. Seismic wave modelling using finite difference methods. Student thesis thesis, 1998. https://pure.southwales.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/ed10cfba-9e2c-40ef-a7aa-354f4edf9afe