A Coupled 2D Finite-Elements - Finite-Difference Method for Seismic Wave Propagation: Case of a Semi-Circular Canyon

Ariane Ducellier (1) , Hideo Aochi (1)

1 BRGM - Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM)

We present a coupled method to simulate elastic wave propagation when taking into account the topography of a free surface. This method combines a finite-elements method (FEM) and a 4th-order velocity-stress staggered-grid finite-difference method (FDM). The aim of this combination of two numerical methods is to keep the advantages of both methods. The FEM is used to model the topography where the FDM cannot accurately model it. To couple the two methods, a finite-width interface (5 finite-difference grid spacing) is prepared, where a high-order interpolation scheme is used. The accuracy and efficiency of the method are tested by the simulation of wave propagation in a semi-circular canyon. Then, more complex models are studied.

Keywords: seismic wave propagation; finite difference; finite elements

Domains: Earth Sciences

Ariane Ducellier, Hideo Aochi. A Coupled 2D Finite-Elements - Finite-Difference Method for Seismic Wave Propagation: Case of a Semi-Circular Canyon. 9th International Conference on Mathematical and Numerical Aspects of Waves Propagation - Waves 09, Jun 2009, Pau, France. ⟨hal-00574238⟩