2d Wave Propagation Modeling Using Optimally Varying Mesh Size
Abstract
A great effort has been addressed in the last years to the development of advanced 2D numerical methods that allow for accurate modeling of the seismic wavefield through complex geologic structures. Among those methods, the spectral element approach improves the computational accuracy of the classical finite element method, mantain- ing the flexibility resulting from the use of unstructured grids. In the standard implementation the whole model is decomposed into a patch of sub- regions having costant physical properties. This approach becomes expensive when geo-models featuring large gradients have to be represented. This fact motivated the development of an approach in which the mesh size adapts continuosly to the medium properties and is controlled by few geometric costrains. The model is still decomposed into macro sub-regions, but they define only the gross features of the geological structure. Within these regions the mesh size adapts op- timally to the local medium properties. As a consequence, the efficency of the 2D spectral element method is improved. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated first for a test case, and then for a real application concerning the simulation of the ground motion due to an earthquake in the Marche region (Italy).
- Publication:
-
EGS General Assembly Conference Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002EGSGA..27.1561P