Acoustic Emission Testing

AE testing relies on piezoelectric sensors mounted to the surface of a component or structure to detect high-frequency stress waves emitted by active damage mechanisms. The sensors convert these stress waves into electrical signals, which are then amplified, filtered, and analyzed to determine the location, intensity, and nature of the damage source. Because AE detects only active flaws, it is often used in proof testing, pressure vessel monitoring, pipeline integrity testing, and composite structure evaluation. It offers the ability to monitor large areas from a few sensor locations, making it especially valuable for in-service inspections without interrupting operations.