The modeled data given to SEP was produced to mimic a real manufactured product that the engineers at LLNL need to non-destructively test for potential defects. Laboratory apparatus will be used to collect data over a third dimension which also shares the same elastic properties. Simple geophysical migration techniques with acoustic depth algorithms were able to simply image both the step and scalloped anomalies in the modeled data. The various imaging algorithms tried (prestack source-receiver, prestack shot-profile, and zero ray parameter planewave) were all similarly successful.
Producing equivalent results, the least expensive solution is the best. Therefor, we can confidently advise the LLNL engineers that acquisition of a full fold multi-offset data volume is not required for this simple problem. However, many shot locations are imperative. Due to the intrabed multiple generator in the center of the product, the near offsets that are not contaminated with multiple energy are the most important. The most expedient method to collect the best and smallest data for their needs is to modify their laboratory equipment to allow the source piezoelectric element to record a zero offset trace after firing. This will allow for rapid data acquisition, over whatever third dimension may be required, and computationally inexpensive imaging.