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U.S. Department of Energy
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Bidirectional ground coupling means for inclined seismic source

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6919394
Apparatus for generating combined compressional and shear wave signals in the earth which employs a seismic source, such as a cylindrical gas exploder, having a free-moving wedge shaped base which tapers symmetrically downwardly to a thin blade. When the exploder is fired at an angle inclined to the vertical, a force is generated along its longitudinal axis which drives the base downwardly in the same direction so as to propagate seismic signals having a compressional component and a shear component. The blade is disposed transversely to the direction of the horizontal component of this applied force. The penetration achieved by the thin blade portion of the base insures sufficient earth coupling to generate high energy shear seismic signals and minimizes horizontal translation of the exploder under a wide range of soil conditions. The axial symmetry of the base permits the exploder to be rotated in place about a horizontal axis and fired a second time to generate seismic waves of equal magnitude and of opposite phase at the same point on the earth's surface.
Assignee:
Atlantic Richfield Co
Patent Number(s):
US 4222454
OSTI ID:
6919394
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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