Phase-Controlled Multi-Source Seismic Survey System
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Solution Overview
Problem
S-waves do not propagate in sea areas, making it difficult to generate effective shear waves for seismic surveys, and the use of P-S converted waves requires high sound pressure, affecting marine organisms and survey stability.
Innovation Solution
A subaqueous underground survey system that applies a phase difference to sound waves generated from multiple sound sources to control the generation of shear waves at the water bottom surface, allowing them to propagate into the ground, using a controller to manage the phases of low-frequency generators and geophones for stable surveying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If P-S converted waves are used to generate shear waves in sea areas, then shear wave propagation is achieved, but high sound pressure is required which affects marine organisms and survey stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of wave generation by using multiple sound sources with controlled phase differences instead of single high-power sources. This transforms the approach from high sound pressure to coordinated multi-source interference patterns that generate shear waves through constructive interference at the seabed interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides a single high-power sound source into multiple lower-power sound sources distributed in the water column. Each source operates at reduced power levels that are safe for marine organisms, while their combined effect through phase-controlled interference produces the necessary shear wave generation at the seabed.
2Quantity of substance
If single air gun is used as seismic source, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but sufficient P-S converted waves cannot be obtained without tremendously great sound pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sound sources in a coordinated manner, merging their individual wave fields through phase control to create a unified shear wave generation system. The combined effect of multiple sources produces sufficient shear wave amplitude that would be impossible with a single source at safe sound pressure levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses phase difference control as an intermediary mechanism to transform the collective output of multiple sound sources into coherent shear waves. By controlling the phase relationships between sources, the system mediates between the individual P-wave outputs and the desired S-wave generation at the seabed.
3Ease of operation
If high sound pressure is applied to generate sufficient P-S converted waves, then shear wave generation is achieved, but control of S-wave generation becomes difficult and survey stability is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements phase difference control as a feedback mechanism where the relative phases of multiple sound sources are adjusted to optimize shear wave generation. This controlled phase relationship provides a stable and repeatable method for generating S-waves, making the process easier to control and more reliable than high sound pressure approaches.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables the controlled generation of shear waves, facilitating a stable and accurate subaqueous underground survey by converting compressional waves into shear waves at the water bottom surface, reducing the impact of seabed properties and enhancing survey stability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
applies a phase difference to sound waves generated from multiple sound sources to control the generation of shear waves
Implementation Method 2
converting compressional waves into shear waves at the water bottom surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A subaqueous underground survey system using a reflection seismic survey method includes: multiple sound sources 1 for generating sound waves in the water; a controller 2 for controlling phases of the sound waves; a geophone 3 for receiving reflected waves of the sound waves; and an observation ship 4 equipped with the sound sources 1, wherein the controller 2 controls phases of the sound sources 1 so that the sound waves generated from the respective sound sources 1 have a phase difference at a water bottom surface B, thereby controlling generation of shear waves to propagate into the ground.