The new approach to calculate pulse wave returning energy vs. mechanical energy of rock specimen in triaxial test

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss a mathematical method for determining the return energy of the wave from the sample and comparing it with the mechanical energy consumed to change the dimension of the sample in the triaxial test of the rock. We represent a method to determine the mechanical energy and then we provide how to calculate the return energy of the wave. However, the static energy and pulse return energy will show higher amounts with axial pressure increase. Three types of clastic sedimentary rocks including sandstone, pyroclastic rock, and argillitic tuff were selected. The sandstone showed the highest strength, Young’s modulus and ultrasonic P and S waves’ velocities versus others in the triaxial test. Also, from the received P wavelet, the calculated pulse wave returning energy indicated the best correlation between axial stress compared to wave velocities in all specimens. The fact that the return energy decreases or increases is related to increasing lateral stress and depends on the geological characteristics of the rock. This method can be used to determine the stresses on the rock as well as its in-situ modulus in projects that are located at high depths of the earth. © 2021 Techno-Press, Ltd.