Docentship lecture: Numerical modeling of acoustic and elastic waves

Chairperson: Professor Ken Mattsson

Representative of the Docentship Committee: Professor Nataša Sladoje

Abstract: Acoustic and elastic waves are often used to study natural systems that are difficult to measure directly. One application is mapping what lies beneath the seafloor – is it clay, granite, or perhaps oil? By sending waves downward and measuring and analyzing the reflected signals, we can estimate certain material properties. However, this requires the ability to predict wave propagation in known materials, which is a significant challenge in itself. Wave propagation is described by partial differential equations that cannot be solved analytically. They can be solved numerically using computers, but this requires efficient numerical methods. As an introduction to numerical methods for partial differential equations, we will discuss two key concepts: accuracy and stability.

The lecture is an obligatory teaching test for those applying for admittance as docent and it should be possible for students and others with basic academic education in the relevant field to follow it. The lecture lasts 40-45 minutes with subsequent discussion.

The lecture will be given in Swedish.

Welcome!