A Resonance Acoustic Emission Sensor using Single Piezoelectric Ceramic (Characteristic and Performances)

This paper presents a characteristic analysis and performance tests of resonance AcousticEmission sensors (AE sensors). The AE sensors have been designed and constructed by usingmaterials, equipments and technologies in Thailand. In addition, a calibration method for using inreal applications according to ASTM E976 is also presented. A Mason's equivalent circuit model ofa piezoelectric transducer and a network theory were utilized to analyze the characteristic ofmechanical wave propagation into the AE sensor. Consequently, a transient electrical signal isgenerated. After that, the performances of designed and constructed AE sensors were studiedusing AE parameters in frequency domain. Experimental results showed good performance of AEsensors for testing owing to the proper acoustic impedance matching among the PZT, a backingmaterial and a wear plate. An outcome of this research can be employed for an education of theacoustic emission and some material breaks monitoring.