Wave theory of acoustic emission in composite laminates

This paper is concerned with the development of acoustic emission (AE) waveform analysis in advanced structural composites. The relationship between the surface response and microfracture modes in composite laminates is studied to establish the theoretical background for waveform analysis of AE signals. Lamb waves produced by arbitrary internal sources in unidirectional and cross-ply composite laminates are investigated. Laboratory experiments are performed to validate the theoretical models. The results of this research should be useful in developing practical nondestructive testing tools to monitor damage initiation and evolution in composite structures.