What information does acoustic emission analysis provide about the structural health of a WEC?

Acoustic Emission (AE) analysis provides information about active damage mechanisms within a Wave Energy Converter's (WEC) structure by detecting high-frequency stress waves generated by material deformation and fracture processes. These stress waves, known as acoustic emissions, are produced when cracks initiate or propagate, when there is plastic deformation, or when there is friction between surfaces under stress. AE sensors, typically piezoelectric transducers, are attached to the WEC structure to detect these emissions. The AE signals are then analyzed to determine the location, intensity, and type of damage occurring. By analyzing the arrival times of AE signals at multiple sensors, the location of the damage source can be determined using triangulation techniques. The intensity of the AE signals is related to the severity of the damage. Different types of damage mechanisms, such as crack growth or corrosion, generate AE signals with different characteristics, allowing for identification of the damage type. Therefore, AE analysis provides early warning of structural damage, allowing for proactive maintenance and preventing catastrophic failures. It can detect damage that is not visible through other inspection methods, such as visual inspection or ultrasonic testing.