Preface
Acoustic emission (AE) measurement is a technique for detecting an elastic wave that is
generated by the occurrence of micro-scale defects. Phenomena resulting from micro-scale defects can
thus be readily detected by AE. Recently, the accidental failure of various types of structures, resulting
in disasters and injury to people in many cases, has been reported as posing a threat to human safety. In
most cases, the durability and the load-bearing capacity of facilities or structures are carefully ensured
against micro-scale defects (structural flaw and cracks). However, in some recent accidents, it has been
found that micro-scale defects can lead to dangerous conditions of structures.
Therefore, the establishment of “structural diagnosis” is in urgent demand. In this respect, AE
techniques are known to be promising for detecting micro-scale defects and the analysis of “fracture
phenomena.” Traditionally, the usefulness of such techniques for predicting rockfall has been known
in mines worldwide. The technique received great attention when it was applied to a pressure test of a
rocket motor case (rocket body) of a Polaris missile in the United States. Later, the AE testing was
standardized as a nondestructive inspection technique for detecting defects in pressure vessels and tanks.
This became the motivation for current AE testing.
In recent years, applications of Acoustic Emission (AE) measurements have been extended from the
fields of metal and mechanical engineering to those of civil and chemical engineering, resulting in the
establishment of practical inspection in many fields. Thus the education of NDT technicians on AE
becomes important issue.
This book is originally prepared for NDT technicians who need to learn practical acoustic emission
testing based on ISO 9712 (Non-destructive testing –Qualification and Certification of personnel) by the
ad-hoc research and technical committee on AE of the JSNDI (The Japanese Society for Non-
Destructive Inspection). The book is also selected as an essential reference of ISO/DIS 18436-6
(condition monitoring and diagnostic of machines –Requirements for training and certification of
personnel Part 6: Acoustic Emission).
The authors of the textbook are key members of the ad-hoc research and technical committee on AE
of the JSNDI (The Japanese Society for Non-Destructive Inspection). This 30-year-old committee has
consecutively held the International AE symposia (IAES) every two years.
With this background, the roles of NDT technicians, principles of AE measurement is going to explain
clearly followed by the signal processing, algorithms for source location, measurement devices,
applicability of testing methods, and measurement cases. The authors hope that this book will play a key
role in AE education and study in all fields of engineering.
Members of Editorial Board and Authors
<<Authors>>
Following authors are member of the ad-hoc research and technical committee on AE of the JSNDI (The
Japanese Society for Non-Destructive Inspection).
Manabu Enoki, University of Tokyo
Hidehiro Inaba, Fuji Ceramics Corporation
Yoshihiro Mizutani, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Hideyuki Nakamura, IHI Inspection & Instrumentation Co., Ltd.
Masaaki Nakano, Chiyoda Advanced Solutions
Masayasu Ohtsu, Kumamoto University
Mitsuhiro Shigeishi, Kumamoto University
Tomoki Shiotani, Kyoto University
Sunao Sugimoto, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Shigenori Yuyama, Nippon Physical Acoustics, Ltd.
<<Editorial Board>>
Chair
Yoshihiro Mizutani, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Members
Manabu Enoki, University of Tokyo
Hidehiro Inaba, Fuji Ceramics Corporation
Hideyuki Nakamura, IHI Inspection & Instrumentation Co., Ltd.
Masaaki Nakano, Chiyoda Advanced Solutions
Mitsuhiro Shigeishi, Kumamoto University
Tomoki Shiotani, Kyoto University
Shin-ichi Takeda, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Shigenori Yuyama, Nippon Physical Acoustics, Ltd.
1. Applications
Remote monitoring of damages in a suspension bridge
(PHOTOS COURTESY OF WWW.MISTRASGROUP.COM)
Integrity evaluation of railway concrete bridge piers
Integrity evaluation of a pressure vessel
Rock failure monitoring with a remote system
Evaluation of fracture characteristics of a concrete specimen
Damage monitoring of an aircraft during a structural test
(PHOTOS COURTESY OF WWW.MISTRASGROUP.COM)
Damage monitoring of a rocket motor case
(PHOTOS COURTESY OF WWW.MISTRASGROUP.COM)
Evaluation of corrosion damage during tank bottom testing
Detection and evaluation of a valve leak
(PHOTOS COURTESY OF WWW.MISTRASGROUP.COM)
2. Monitoring system and software
Portable acoustic emission system
Multi-channel acoustic emission systems
