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Acoustic Emission

Acoustic emission monitoring (AE) involves listening to the sounds (which are usually inaudible to the human ear) made by a material, structure or machine in use or under load. Conclusions are drawn about its "state of health from what is heard, just as a doctor would listen to your heart and lungs.

The technique involves attaching one or more ultrasonic microphones to the object and analysing the sounds using computer-based instruments. The noises may arise from friction (including bearing wear), crack growth, turbulence (including leakage) and material changes such as corrosion.

The advantages of Acoustic Emission are that a whole structure can be monitored from a few locations. The structure can be tested in service and continuous monitoring with alarms is possible. Microscopic changes can be detected if sufficient energy is released and source location is also possible using multiple sensors.