This exciting book, requiring only a background in undergraduate math and physics, introduces novices and specialists to wave propagation problems in petroleum engineering. It applies the kinematic wave theory recently developed at Caltech and MIT to modern applications in exploration and production activities. Following an introductory section dealing with fundamentals and classical examples, Wave Propagation in Petroleum Engineering concentrates on drillstring vibrations, borehole acoustics, swab-surge, measurement-while-drilling (MWD), geophysics, and ocean hydrodynamics. Many research results appear in print for the first time. For example, this book explains why severe lateral vibrations downhole cannot be seen at the surface, develops axial vibration models that simulate rate-of-penetration and bit-bounce, provides formulations for coupled axial, torsional, and bending vibrations, including validating computational solutions, and introduces basic notions for use in formation imaging; applies modern concepts from kinematic wave theory to geophysical and hydrodynamic problems, e.g., ray tracing in attenuative media, extended eikonal equations for use when Fermat's principle of least time breaks down, and powerful new methods for wave-current interaction and energy transfer analysis; and develops the fundamentals of MWD mud pulse telemetry, dynamic swab and surge, and borehole acoustics from first principles.