Ultrasonic waves in densified suspensions

A theory of propagation of ultrasonic waves in sediments is
developed. The formulae for the phase velocity and the attenuation coefficient
are determined as functions of wave frequency and the mass fraction of the solid
phase. These formulae can be used, after suitable calibration, for determination
of the solid mass fraction or the water content in densified suspensions. These
structure parameters can be determined by measuring the transition time of
ultrasonic wave through a given distance of sediment. The phase velocity
dispersion curves and the attenuation coefficients determined theoretically and
experimentally are plotted as functions of the solid mass fraction for sediment.
Key words: ultrasounds, sediment, wave propagation, phase velocity, attenuation
coefficient.