Finite-difference solution of the eikonal equation along expanding wavefronts

Qin Fuhao Qin, Luo Yi Luo, K. B. Olsen, Cai Wenying Cai, G. T. Schuster

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

288 Scopus citations

Abstract

It is shown that a scheme to solve the 2-D eikonal equation by a finite-difference method can violate causality for moderate to large velocity contrasts (V2/V1 > √2). As an alternative, a finite-difference scheme is presented in which the solution region progresses outward from an "expanding wavefront' rather than an "expanding square', and therefore honors causality. Our method appears to be stable and reasonably accurate for a variety of velocity models with moderate to large velocity contrasts. The penalty is a large increase in computational cost and programming effort. -Authors

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)478-487
Number of pages10
JournalGeophysics
Volume57
Issue number3
StatePublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geochemistry and Petrology

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