Simulation of underground gravity gradients from stochastic seismic fields

Abstract

We present results obtained from a finite-element simulation of seismic displacement fields and of gravity gradients generated by those fields. The displacement field is constructed by a plane-wave model with a 3D isotropic stochastic field and a 2D fundamental Rayleigh field. The plane-wave model provides an accurate representation of stationary fields from distant sources. Underground gravity gradients are calculated as the acceleration of a free test mass inside a cavity. The results are discussed in the context of gravity-gradient noise subtraction in third generation gravitational-wave detectors. Error analysis with respect to the density of the simulated grid leads to a derivation of an improved seismometer placement inside a 3D array which would be used in practice to monitor the seismic field.

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