Detection of fatigue crack propagation with acoustic emission

Since its inception, acoustic emission has held great promise as a tool for detection and evaluation of damage in structures. Of particular concern is the occureence of fatigue manifested by the processes of crack initiation followed by crack growth to failure. Early research related acoustic emission parameters to physical variables, including load, stress, pressure etc. causing damage. In this paper, relationships relating acoustic emission to fatigue crack growth are developed. Acoustic emission equations, similar to Paris' law, are derived which allow determination of the stress intensity factor and the crack growth rate. These principles are embodied in a second-generation system which automatically and continuously determines these parameters. The approach is applied in the laboratory as well as to structures including bridges, air frames and transmission towers for electrical power.