A method for processing acoustic waveforms

Abstract

A method for processing acoustic waveforms comprises acquiring acoustic waveforms in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation and transforming at least a portion of the acoustic waveforms to produce frequency domain signals. Then model dispersion curves are generated based on an anisotropic borehole-formation model having a set of anisotropic borehole-formation parameters and by specifying governing equations and using a matrix Riccati equation approach. The frequency-domain signals are back-propagating using the model dispersion curves to correct dispersiveness of the signals and coherence of the back-propagated signals is calculated. Alternatively the difference between the measured and the model dispersion curves is determined. Model parameters are iteratively adjusted until the coherence reaches a maximum or exceeds a selected value, or alternatively until the difference between the measured and the model dispersion curves becomes minimal or is reduced to below a selected value. Then at least a portion of the set of anisotropic borehole-formation parameters is obtained.

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