Understanding Logging-While-Drilling Transducers with COMSOL Multiphysics® Software

R. Jiang[1], L. Mei[1], X. Liu[2], H. Li[2], Q. Zhang[1]
[1]Department of Electrical Engineering, Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
[2]Department of Technical Services, China Oilfield Services Limited, Yanshan, Hebei, China
Published in 2014

Logging-while-drilling (LWD) acoustic transducers provide real-time data about the geologic and geophysical properties of the borehole that ensure safety margins and optimize completion. It is important to understand what causes the different resonance modes in the transmitter and obtain relevant acoustic response information to assist new designs and field applications of the transmitter. COMSOL Multiphysics® simulation allows investigation of different designs at a low cost. In this paper, we provided a complete procedure using COMSOL Piezoelectric Devices and Acoustic-Piezoelectric Interaction interfaces to obtain displacement resonance response, acoustic field distribution, absolute acoustic pressure frequency response, transmitting voltage response, and directivity. We also showed how to get receiving sensitivity for a receiver.