A system for acoustic velocity and static Young's modulus measurements on small (mm-size) shale samples is presented. The equipment has been tested on both soft and hard shales, including cuttings. Even though more experimental testing, must be carried out to confirm and improve its performance, it is demonstrated that reliable measurements can actually be performed on the small samples. Moreover, the results appear consistent with results attained from larger plugs using more conventional test methods. This technology represents a relatively fast and inexpensive method of attaining dynamic and static data from sub-surface formations. Use of cuttings and small samples can greatly improve the data availability, particularly where proper cores are not available.
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