Abstract
Acoustic Emission (AE) analysis can be applied to investigations of damage initiation and damage growth in fiber-reinforced polymer-matrix (FRP) composite materials and structures. The potential of AE as an aid in interpreting fracture mechanics tests of polymer-matrix composites has been shown, e.g., by Bohse et al. [1]. Contrary to other non-destructive techniques such as, e.g., ultrasonic C-scan, AE monitoring can be applied on-line during the tests. Results of the AE analysis are available virtually in real-time, even though a full analysis may require post-test data processing. Fig 1 shows an example of AE data obtained from a standardized Mode I opening load test on a unidrectionally carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy beam specimen. Delamination initiation, for example, can easily be identified by the steep increase in AE activity. More recently, Cartie et al. [2] have applied AE analysis to fracture mechanics tests on complex, three-dimensionally reinforced FRP specimens.
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