Geomechanics and FracturingIn-Situ Stress and Rock Mechanics

Shear Wave Velocity from Shear Modulus and Density Formula

V_s=\left(\frac{G}{\rho}\right)^{0.5}

Shear Wave Velocity from Shear Modulus and Density calculates shear wave velocity for in-situ stress and rock mechanics workflows in geomechanics and fracturing.

Calculate

How engineers use this formula

Use this formula when the listed inputs (G, rho) are known and the assumptions behind the cited in-situ stress and rock mechanics relationship match the engineering case being checked.

Assumptions

Input values are representative for the well, reservoir, fluid, or equipment case being evaluated.
The declared units match the field-unit constants used in the formula.
The cited formula applies to the selected petroleum engineering workflow.

Limitations

The calculation does not replace a full engineering model or operating procedure.
Accuracy depends on the source correlation, assumptions, input quality, and unit consistency.

Common mistakes

Mixing unit systems without converting the inputs.
Using default example values as field recommendations.
Applying the formula outside the source assumptions.

Default example

Using the default inputs, V_s equals 1,897.366596 m/s.

GPa

9000000000

rhokg/m^3

2500

Inputs

G

Shear Modulus

rho

kg/m^3

Density

Outputs

V_s

m/s

Shear Wave Velocity

G

Shear Modulus

rho

kg/m^3

Density

Source and review

reviewed

Theory, Measurement, and Interpretation of Well Logs, Bassiouni, Z. (1994)

Bassiouni, Z. 1994. Theory, Measurement, and Interpretation of Well Logs. SPE Textbook Series Vol. 4, Chapter 3, Page 46.

Source