Acoustic approximation

In acoustics, the acoustic approximation is a fundamental principle that states that an acoustic wave is created by a small, adiabatic, pressure ripple riding on a comparatively large equilibrium (bias) pressure. Typically, the acoustic pressure is on the order of a few ppm of the equilibrium pressure.

By extension, the acoustic approximation also guarantees that an acoustic wave travels at a speed exactly equal to the local speed of sound.

However, "in rough media, acoustic waves can only be a poor-quality approximation of elastic waves."[1]

References

  1. ^ Cance, Philippe; Capdeville, Yann. "Validity of the acoustic approximation for elastic waves in heterogeneous media". Geophysics. 80 (4). doi:10.1190/geo2014-0397.1. Retrieved 6 November 2025.


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