Events

Dr. Raymond Zowarka, Research Scientist at the Center for Electromechanics at The University of Texas at Austin, will give a talk entitled "Electromagnetic Seismic Vibrator Feasibility Study" as part of the Claude R. Hocott Graduate Seminar Series.

Bio:
Dr. Zowarka joined UT-CEM in 1974.  He is an expert in the operation, control, modeling, and analysis of pulsed power systems.  He also has extensive experience with the design of diagnostics for railgun and pulsed power supplies.  Recent experience includes the design and control of high power custom generators for the operation of linear motor systems. Dr. Zowarka has managed many projects at UT-CEM, including the design and construction of high performance railguns operating in high vacuum driven with both HPG/I, capacitor bank, and compulsator power supplies, the design and construction of high performance tactical electromagnetic launchers, the design of hypervelocity railgun powder deposition systems, the design of electromagnetic systems for geophysical exploration, and the simulation and design of Maglev systems.

Abstract:
Land based oil exploration technology is heavily reliant on the vibroseis method of using swept frequency, high force wave propagation and detection to enable mapping of the sub-surface earth structure. Current systems use hydraulic vibrators to generate the desired force waves. Recent interest has focused on using low frequency (1 to 5 Hz) waves for better mapping resolution. The hydraulic approach has many inherent technical limitations, which result in poor harmonic fidelity of the source wave. For most vibrators in use today, hydraulic pumps are incapable of delivering adequate flow for long dwell and low frequency linear sweeps, even at reduced drive levels. Hydraulic technology is mature and improvements are incremental.

The goal of this research was to analyze, design, fabricate, and test an electromagnetic transducer (Evibe) that would increase the fidelity of a signal transmitted into the ground for use in seismic exploration. The economic objective is development of low frequency, high harmonic purity seismic waves which can reduce the time required to complete a field survey for oil deposits.