Acoustic testing of core samples

A method comprising:

• pressurizing a pressure containing member to exert a uniform pressure on a sample;
• emitting an acoustic pulse with one of a plurality of acoustic emitters;
• and
• receiving the emitted acoustic pulse with one or more of a plurality of acoustic sensors, wherein receiving the emitted acoustic pulse comprises:
• receiving a direct incident acoustic pulse through a sample;
• and
• receiving a reflected acoustic pulse through the sample.

A system comprising:

• a central member defining a sample chamber and comprising an elastic material configured to enclose at least a portion of a sample, a plurality of acoustic sensors configured to detect sound waves in the sample chamber and a plurality of acoustic emitters configured to emit sounds waves in the central member;
• and
• a pressure-retaining case surrounding a radial surface of the central member, the pressure-retaining case configured to contain a pressurized fluid between an annulus formed between the pressure-retaining case and the central member;
• a switch coupled to each of the plurality of acoustic emitters, the switch configured to connect or disconnect a pulser and receiver circuit to a specified acoustic emitter of the plurality of acoustic emitters;
• a data acquisition unit coupled to each of the plurality of acoustic sensors, the data acquisition unit configured to receive a signal from each of the plurality of acoustic sensors;
• the pulser and receiver circuit, wherein the pulser and receiver circuit is coupled to the switch and the data acquisition unit, the pulser and receiver circuit configured to send an electric pulse to one of the plurality of acoustic emitters through the switch and to send a control signal to the data acquisition unit simultaneously;
• a pressure pump coupled to the annulus between the central member and the pressure retaining case, the pressure pump configured to pressurize the annulus with fluid;
• and
• a pressure sensor coupled to the annulus between the central member and the pressure-retaining case, the pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure within the annulus.