|Acoustic Emission (AE) testing is a powerful method for examining the behavior of materials
deforming under stress. Acoustic Emission may be defined as a transient elastic wave generated by the rapid release of energy within a
material. Materials "talk" when they are in trouble: with Acoustic Emission equipment you can "listen" to the sounds of cracks growing,
fibers breaking and many other modes of active damage in the stressed material.
Small-scale damage is detectable long before failure, so AE can be used as a non-destructive technique to find defects during structural proof tests and plant operation. AE also offers unique capabilities for materials research and development in the laboratory. Finally, AE equipment is adaptable to many forms of production QC testing, including weld monitoring and leak detection.
Some typical applications of the Acoustic Emission principle in testing materials are as follows:
Behavior of materials: metals, ceramics, composites, rocks, concrete:
Nondestructive testing during manufacturing processes:
For more information about acoustic emission technology, research and applications (click here).