ASTM E976-15(2021) PDF

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 Acoustic emission data is affected by several characteristics of the instrumentation. The most obvious of these is the system sensitivity. Of all the parameters and components contributing to the sensitivity, the acoustic emission sensor is the one most subject to variation. This variation can be a result of damage or aging, or there can be variations between nominally identical sensors. To detect such variations, it is desirable to have a method for measuring the response of a sensor to an acoustic wave. Specific purposes for checking sensors include: (1) checking the stability of its response with time; (2) checking the sensor for possible damage after accident or abuse; (3) comparing a number of sensors for use in a multichannel system to ensure that their responses are adequately matched; and (4) checking the response after thermal cycling or exposure to a hostile environment. It is very important that the sensor characteristics be always measured with the same sensor cable length and impedance as well as the same preamplifier or equivalent. This guide presents several procedures for measuring sensor response. Some of these procedures require a minimum of special equipment. 3.2 It is not the intent of this guide to evaluate AE system performance. Refer to Practice E750 for characterizing acoustic instrumentation and refer to Guide E2374 for AE system performance verification. 3.3 The procedures given in this guide are designed to measure the response of an acoustic emission sensor to an arbitrary but repeatable acoustic wave. These procedures in no way constitute a calibration of the sensor. The absolute calibration of a sensor requires a complete knowledge of the characteristics of the acoustic wave exciting the sensor or a previously calibrated reference sensor. In either case, such a calibration is beyond the scope of this guide. 3.4 The fundamental requirement for comparing sensor responses is a source of repeatable acoustic waves. The character... SCOPE 1.1 This guide defines simple economical procedures for testing or comparing the performance of acoustic emission sensors. These procedures allow the user to check for degradation of a sensor or to select sets of sensors with nearly identical performances. The procedures are not capable of providing an absolute calibration of the sensor nor do they assure transferability of data sets between organizations. 1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.