Propagation of inhomogeneous waves in a generalized thermoelastic anisotropic medium

The thermal constants and frequency are grouped together to de. ne two thermal coefficients that steer the thermoelastic effects on wave propagation. The four quasi-waves propagate in generalized thermoelastic anisotropic media. The complex value of one of the thermal coefficients makes the four waves attenuating. The complex slowness vector of attenuating waves is resolved into propagation and attenuation vectors. The attenuation part is, further, separated into homogeneous and inhomogeneous waves. The simple procedure is presented to obtain such a specification of complex slowness vector, for given direction of propagation. A non-dimensional inhomogeneity parameter defines the strength of inhomogeneous waves. The propagation velocities, magnitudes and angles of attenuation of inhomogeneous waves depend on inhomogeneity parameter and direction of propagation. The variations of propagation characteristics of attenuating waves, with the inhomogeneity parameter, are computed, for the numerical model of a reservoir rock. The effects of frequency, thermal conductivity, thermoelastic coupling, relaxation time, specific heat on the velocities and attenuations of quasi-waves are exhibited numerically through the different values of thermal parameters defined in the study.