Acoustic emission: who needs it - and why

Acoustic emission (AE) is an emerging NDT method that offers attractive capabilities for monitoring structural integrity and characterizing materials behavior. Although its limitations are such that it should not be regarded as a panacea, AE is proving to be a viable complement to the other NDT methods. The paper examines the extent and reasons for the growing industrial interest in AE. Some of the inherent limitations of conventional NDT methods are discussed, and several surveys of defects found during the manufacture and operation of pressure boundary components are reviewed. Although welds and weld-affected areas are the most likely locations for significant defects, very little experience is available to date to describe the AE response during impending pressure vessel failures due to weld associated defects. Acoustic emission offers potential for providing increased assurance of both initial, and continued, structural integrity. Furthermore, if AE is properly applied in conjunction with recently proposed fitness-for-purpose criteria, it may be possible to reduce present manufacturing costs without compromising actual structural adequacy. This technology is exhibiting definite signs of increasing industrial maturity, as evidenced by the recent availability of industrial standards, and the activities of various AE related technical groups throughout the world.