Parabolic equation models for poroelastic transversely isotropic sediments

Anisotropy in ocean sediments can have a significant effect on transmission loss. A parabolic equation (PE) model for problems involving transversely isotropic elastic sediments was recently developed [A. J. Fredricks et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 101, 3182(A) (1997)]. Biot’s theory of poroelasticity, which is appropriate for some sediments, is a generalization of elasticity that includes effects due to fluid-filled pores. Propagation models have been developed for poroelastic media, but only for the isotropic case. A poroelastic PE model is extended to handle transversely isotropic sediments. A description of the model will be presented along with examples to illustrate the effects of anisotropy. [Work supported by ONR.]