Acoustic Emission Characteristics Determination for Online Structural Monitoring of Fatigue Crack Growth in Aluminium Alloy 2025

In the use of metals, due to industrial advances and the application of more dynamic loads, it is necessary to pay more attention to the fatigue issue. Structural health monitoring (SHM) system is a method of evaluating and monitoring structural health. It has been widely applied in various engineering sectors due to its ability to respond to adverse structural changes, improving structural reliability and life cycle management. Non-destructive inspection methods are used to condition and health monitoring structures at the time of production and even during the service life of parts. Among non-destructive methods, the acoustic emission method has become a standard and reliable method in recent years. The stimulated internal energy of the structure is received in this acoustic emission technique as health monitoring features. A dominating attribute of the acoustic emission technique is its application ability in its loading condition. Therefore, it provides instant damage information within a short period of time. Thus, acoustic emission monitoring tests are often performed in the operating conditions of the structure. Acoustic emissions can inform us of the changes that occur before the final failure and prevent much financial and human damage. In this project, the characteristics of acoustic emission in the fatigue crack growth of aluminum alloy 2025 for online structural monitoring have been investigated and determined. Acoustic emission tests have been performed in two parts: bending fatigue test with the aim of initiation of fatigue cracks in aluminum alloy 2025 specimens and following tensile tests with the aim of growth of fatigue cracks. The acoustic emission signals and parameters sent by the acoustic emission sensor during both tests were received and recorded by the acoustic emission software. According to the received acoustic emission information, various diagrams are plotted. Analyzing the results from online acoustic emission monitoring showed the acoustic emission method can be considered a suitable and reliable technique for detecting crack initiation and crack growth in aluminum alloy 2025.