This practice provides guidelines for acoustic emission (AE) examination or monitoring of structures, such as pressure vessels, piping systems, or other structures that can be stressed by mechanical or thermal means. The basic functions of an AE monitoring system are to detect, locate, and classify emission sources. Other methods of nondestructive testing (NDT) may be used to further evaluate the significance of acoustic emission sources. Acoustic emission examination of a structure usually requires application of a mechanical or thermal stimulus. Such stimulation produces changes in the stresses in the structure. During stimulation of a structure, AE from discontinuities (such as cracks and inclusions) and from other areas of stress concentration, or from other acoustic sources (such as leaks, loose parts, and structural motion) can be detected by an instrumentation system, using sensors which, when stimulated by stress waves, generate electrical signals. Annual calibration and verification of pressure transducer, AE sensors, preamplifiers, signal processor, and AE electronic waveform generator should be performed.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice provides guidelines for acoustic emission (AE) examination or monitoring of structures, such as pressure vessels, piping systems, or other structures that can be stressed by mechanical or thermal means.

1.2 The basic functions of an AE monitoring system are to detect, locate, and classify emission sources. Other methods of nondestructive testing (NDT) may be used to further evaluate the significance of acoustic emission sources.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

Other Documents

AIA Standard

Index Terms

active source; clustering; controlled stimulation; critically active source; critically intense source; intense source; leaks; loose parts; mechanical stress; pressure vessel; source location; source classification; thermal stress;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 91.120.20 (Acoustics in buildings. Sound insulation)

Citing ASTM Standards

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