A non-linear elastic approach to study the effect of ambient humidity on sandstone

摘要: We demonstrate that strong elastic pump wave pulses soften sandstone more in humidified conditions than they do dry and this effect is repeatable reversible. assess these changes via the non-linear interactions of a with weaker probe wave. find there an exponential time constant ( τ ≈ 13 days) associated process independent amplitudes probe, phase delay between two waves (the transmission waves), sampling rate, whether sample being dried or humidified. humidity-dependent differences amount softening are induced by only very small absorbed water vapor argue intercalated within clay particles. also show our pump–probe experiments detect easily repeatably using experimental design does not rely on resonance conditions. This means that, principle, could be generalized to other geometries investigate properties complex irregular geometries. Our method findings have potential relevance oil gas exploration, civil engineering, understanding mechanism earthquakes.