Discrete element model of wave propagation in steel-cement region

In modern drilling practice a cement sheath supports the casing strings and provides zonal isolation in the wellbore. From a well production standpoint zonal isolation is the most important aspect of the cement sheath. The bond between the cement sheath and the casing provides a hydraulic seal necessary for zonal isolation. The wireline industry has developed logs to characterize the bonding between the casing and the cement, most notably the cement bond log. This log has interpretation problems due to a lack of understanding of wave behavior in the steel - cement region on wave propagation. This study will use PFC2D to create a numerical model, supported by experimental tests, of wave propagation in the steel-cement region. The purpose of this model is to quantify the wave behavior in a simplified environment as a basis for further study.