Tracking Dynamical Changes in Mud Bed due to Waves

Abstract

The time variation of the phase velocity of a high-frequency shear wave was measured using a miniature rheometer in a laboratory mud bed subjected to monochromatic waves. The fall in the velocity, starting with an undisturbed bed, is shown to correlate with a corresponding decrease in bed rigidity as the bed becomes fluidized. The in-situ rheometry may be an effective means to track mud fluidization in the prototype environment.