Finite Element Modeling of Acoustic Wave Attenuation in Saturated Porous Concrete with Viscoelastic Liners

International Journal of Physics | Vol. 7, No. 3, March 2016 | pp. 17–24

DOI: 10.46882/2016/IJP/000071

Research Article

Title: Finite Element Modeling of Acoustic Wave Attenuation in Saturated Porous Concrete with Viscoelastic Liners

Names of Authors: P. J. O’Connor¹, L. A. O’Connor²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; ²School of Cosmic Physics, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Dublin, Ireland

Abstract: Characterizing elastic wave propagation through fluid-saturated porous structures is crucial for industrial noise mitigation and optimizing deep-earth structural foundations. This study presents a finite element modeling approach to simulate acoustic wave attenuation within a saturated porous concrete matrix containing embedded viscoelastic liners. The mathematical model integrates Biot's dynamic equations of poroelasticity with a generalized Maxwell constitutive framework to account for viscoelastic relaxation. Numerical simulations were executed across an ultrasonic frequency spectrum from 10.0 kHz to 500.0 kHz. The computational results demonstrate that the presence of viscoelastic liners induces a strong attenuation peak for the fast compressional wave mode at 165.0 kHz. This attenuation is primarily driven by local fluid flow mechanisms at the matrix-liner interfaces. The scattering cross-section displays a non-linear dependence on liner thickness fractions, showing saturation behavior above a 12.0% threshold. Experimental validation was conducted using synthetic porous concrete specimens filled with silicone rubber membranes. The measured transmission loss spectra matched the simulated profiles within a ±5.5% margin. These findings help optimize acoustic barriers and improve interpretations of seismic data collected from fluid-bearing geological formations.

Keywords: Porous media; acoustic scattering; finite element modeling; Biot's theory; viscoelasticity; wave attenuation

Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 27, 2015; Revised: January 15, 2016; Accepted: February 05, 2016; Published: March 11, 2016

Citation: O’Connor, P. J., & O’Connor, L. A. (2016). Finite Element Modeling of Acoustic Wave Attenuation in Saturated Porous Concrete with Viscoelastic Liners. International Journal of Physics, 7(3), 17–24.

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