Development of Acoustic Emission Waveform Simulation Technique Utilizing a Sensor Response and Finite-Difference Time-Domain Method

Abstract

Waveform simulation techniques are widely used for nondestructive inspections using elastic waves. They are also used for the acoustic emission (AE) technique. Source dynamics can be identified by AE waveform analysis. However, waveforms detected by AE sensors are deformed by the sensor response, and their characteristics depend on the frequency response and sensitivity; thus, accurate AE waveform simulation is difficult because of these problems. In this study, accurate AE waveform simulation involving a sensor response, using a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method was developed. The original waveform is calculated by the 2D FDTD method. The sensor response is determined by extraction of the input waves to the AE sensor by a pulse generator and detection by a laser interferometer. To include the sensor width and dispersion of the sensor response, some points of the sensor response on the sensor face are detected. These are convoluted, and the sensor responses of all points are added. After Lamb wave simulation, characteristics of the simulation waveforms were correlated to the artificial AE waveform produced by Hsu-Nielsen sources (pencil lead breaking). AE signals from mode I fracture were simulated next. The fracture was excited by exfoliation between a polyester plate and glass bar embedded in the plate. The characteristics of simulation waveform by developed technique corresponded to the waveform detected by the AE sensor.