Establishing Structural Integrity Using Acoustic Emission

Author(s):  
CF Morais ◽  
AT Green
2006 ◽  
Vol 13-14 ◽  
pp. 351-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas J. Brunner ◽  
Michel Barbezat

In order to explore potential applications for Active Fiber Composite (AFC) elements made from piezoelectric fibers for structural integrity monitoring, a model experiment for leak testing on pipe segments has been designed. A pipe segment made of aluminum with a diameter of 60 mm has been operated with gaseous (compressed air) and liquid media (water) for a range of operating pressures (between about 5 and 8 bar). Artificial leaks of various sizes (diameter) have been introduced. In the preliminary experiments presented here, commercial Acoustic Emission (AE) sensors have been used instead of the AFC elements. AE sensors mounted on waveguides in three different locations have monitored the flow of the media with and without leaks. AE signals and AE waveforms have been recorded and analysed for media flow with pressures ranging from about 5 to about 8 bar. The experiments to date show distinct differences in the FFT spectra depending on whether a leak is present or not.


2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (02) ◽  
pp. 106-110
Author(s):  
Ge Wang ◽  
Michael Lee ◽  
Chris Serratella ◽  
Stanley Botten ◽  
Sam Ternowchek ◽  
...  

Real-time monitoring and detection of structural degradation helps in capturing the structural conditions of ships. The latest nondestructive testing (NDT) and sensor technologies will potentially be integrated into future generations of the structural integrity management program. This paper reports on a joint development project between Alaska Tanker Company, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and MISTRAS. The pilot project examined the viability of acoustic emission technology as a screening tool for surveys and inspection planning. Specifically, testing took place on a 32-year-old double-hull Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) trade tanker. The test demonstrated the possibility of adapting this technology in the identification of critical spots on a tanker in order to target inspections. This targeting will focus surveys and inspections on suspected areas, thus increasing efficiency of detecting structural degradation. The test has the potential to introduce new inspection procedures as the project undertakes the first commercial testing of the latest acoustic emission technology during a tanker's voyage.


Author(s):  
Nikolaos K. Tsopelas ◽  
Dimitrios G. Papasalouros ◽  
Athanasios A. Anastasopoulos ◽  
Dimitrios A. Kourousis ◽  
Jason W. Dong

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document