Title: Acoustic emission testing (AET) – an integral non-destructive testing method

Authors: P. Tschelisnig

Addresses: Versuchsanstalt des Technischen Uberwachungs-Vereines Wien (TUV), Vienna, Austria

Abstract: After a short review of the history and development of acoustic emission testing (AET) as a non-destructive testing method, the theory of AET and its primary mechanism are discussed. The basis of the wave propagation and the principles of the hyperbolic triangulation are then presented. The state-of-the-art AE inspection system is explained with examples drawn from the TUV Vienna|s 32-channel equipment and software. The applications and advantages of the technology are also reviewed. The AE tests performed at TUV Vienna and the results gained are discussed under the headings of integrity analysis and leakage tests. The paper concludes with a look ahead to the future, where AET as a non-destructive testing tool will make an important contribution to increased security for pressure vessels and better protection against environmental pollution.

Keywords: acoustic emission testing; inspection; integrity analysis; leakage tests; non-destructive testing; NDT; pressure vessels; quality control; environmental pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1988.036708

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1988 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.267 - 275

Published online: 06 Nov 2010 *

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