Study of Sound Attenuation in Sediments.

Abstract : This dissertation describes an experimental method by which the low-frequency attenuation of compressional waves in a sediment may be measured in the laboratory. The Biot and Hamilton models of sound propagation through sediments are reviewed. Measurements of attenuation in one laboratory sediment are presented, and the measured attenuation is compared to the predictions of the Biot and Hamilton models. The functional dependence of the attenuation measurements is of the form predicted by the Biot model, although the actual magnitude of the measured attenuation is higher than expected. The excess attenuation may be explained by the incomplete de-gassification of the sediment.