Acoustic Emission Monitoring of Fatigue Damage in Metals

Acoustic emission (AE) consists of high frequency stress waves generated by the rapid release of energy due to fracture, plastic deformation, wear or interfacial friction [1]. Acoustic emission monitoring is a very sensitive method with a wide dynamic range and can be used as a diagnostic means of continuous assessment of damage in materials and components. Acoustic emission methods can be applied to metallic components and specimens subjected to monotonic or fatigue loading. In general, acoustic emission can be used to monitor crack initiation and propagation and to locate the source of the emission.