Accession Number:

AD0752794

Title:

Acoustic Emission Applied to Determination of Structural Integrity,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

BATTELLE MEMORIAL INST RICHLAND WASH PACIFIC NORTHWEST LABS

Personal Author(s):

• Hutton,Philip H.

Report Date:

1970-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

32.0

Abstract:

Acoustic emission is defined as the elastic waves produced in a solid material by energy released as the material is deformed or fractured. These waves can be detected at the surface of the material with high sensitivity transducers. This provides the basis for a new technique for monitoring metal structures, pipes, pressure vessels, graphite shapes, etc., to detect structural deterioration before failure occurs. Flaw detection resolution using acoustic emission exceeds that of any of the conventional nondestructive techniques such as ultrasonics, radiography, etc. It is, however, limited to detection of an active strain or flaw area--it will not detect static flaws. The presentation discusses development work conducted apply acoustic emission to detect flaw growth in nuclear reactor pressure systems, formation of cracks in welds, metal fatigue, and thermally induced cracking in ceramics. Author

Descriptors:

• (*NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
• ULTRASONIC RADIATION)
• DEFECTS(MATERIALS)
• FATIGUE(MECHANICS)
• CRACKS
• MONITORS
• WELDS
• PRESSURE VESSELS
• CERAMIC MATERIALS
• METALS

Subject Categories:

• Test Facilities, Equipment and Methods

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE