Journal of Statistical Physics, Vol. 68, Nos. 3/4, 1992, p. 591-609.
I present a Boltzmann lattice gas-like approach for modeling compressional waves in an inhomogeneous medium as a first step toward developing a method to simulate seismic waves in complex solids. The method is based on modeling particles in a discrete lattice with wavelike characteristics of partial reflection and transmission when passing between links with different properties as well as phononlike interactions (i.e., collisions), with particle speed dependent on link properties. In the macroscopic limit, this approach theoretically yields compressional waves in an inhomogeneous acoustic medium. Numerical experiments verify the method and demonstrate its convergence properties. The lattice Boltzmann phononic lattice solid could be used to study how seismic wave anisotropy and attenuation are related to microfractures, the complex geometry of rock matrices, and their couplings to pore fluids. However, additional particles related to the two transverse phonons must be incorporated to correctly simulate wave phenomena in solids.