Hysteretic nonlinear elasticity of Berea sandstone at low-vibrational strain revealed by dynamic acousto-elastic testing

Abstract

Through changes in wave speed of ultrasonic pulses traversing the sample, we measure variations in the elasticity of dry Berea sandstone as a function of the applied low-frequency (LF) axial strain (varied from 10 -7 to 10 -5). The approach, termed dynamic acousto-elasticity, is the dynamic analog of static acousto-elasticity where the wave speed is measured as a function of the applied static load. Dynamic acousto-elasticity uses low-frequency vibrational loading of smaller strain amplitude, typically below 10 -4, and it includes inertial effects. At strain amplitudes around 10 -6, compression and tension produce a material softening of the material. In contrast, a quasi-static compression inducing a strain between 10 -4 and 10 -3 leads to a material stiffening. At 10 -5 strain amplitude, elaborate hysteretic signatures of modulus strain are observed. The measurements provide the first direct experimental evidence of hysteretic nonlinear (wave amplitude dependent) elasticity in a sandstone at low dynamic strains. Key Points Each wave amplitude brings the material to a different metastable state First direct evidence of dynamic hysteretic nonlinear elasticity at low strain Nonlinear elastic parameters and hysteresis are wave amplitude dependent ©2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.