Review of thermoelasticity theory in rocks and its applications in geophysics

Abstract

Thermoelasticity describes the properties of elastomer under the influence of temperature, which is the generalization of elasticity. Compared with elasticity, thermoelasticity theory is more accurate to describe the physical state of elastic media under the influence of temperature. A large number of petrophysical experiments demonstrate the thermoelastic phenomenon of rocks, that is, the physical parameters (especially velocity and elastic modulus) of rocks change with temperature. The thermoelastic theory of rocks provides an explanation for the elastic moduli and velocity anomaly of rocks caused by temperature. In this paper, we review the progress of research on the application of thermoelastic theory in geophysics. Furthermore, we introduce main theoretical models experimental measurements, and numerical simulations related to thermoplastic theory. We introduce the thermoelastic theory into deep oil and gas exploration with the attempt to support the development of geophysical techniques for prediction of deep temperature anomalies.

Keywords

• thermoelasticity
• petrophysical properties
• elastic moduli
• wave propagation velocity