Three-dimensional ultrasonic wave velocity test system

A system for measuring wave velocities in a subterranean core specimen having a bedding plane direction, the system comprising:

• a plurality of rams, configured to apply a stress to a polygonal-shaped core specimen having a set of opposing faces, wherein the polygonal-shaped core specimen has at least ten faces, wherein the polygonal-shaped core specimen is such that each face has an associated opposing face to form at least five sets of opposing faces, and wherein each ram of the plurality of rams is associated in a one-to-one relationship with one of the sets of opposing faces such that each applies stress to the polygonal-shaped core specimen at one of the faces of the associated set of opposing faces;
• an acoustic assembly associated with the set of opposing faces configured to send an acoustic signal into one of the opposing faces and receive a signal from the other opposing face;
• and
• a load cell associated with a second face of the set of opposing faces, and configured to monitor force applied to the polygonal-shaped core specimen by the ram to the first face.