The Auto Sensor Test as an AE Signal Source in Concrete Specimens

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Acoustics
• Non-Destructive Testing

Background:

• Acoustic wave propagation velocity is crucial for locating damage and assessing material degradation.
• Artificial acoustic wave sources are used to simulate material damage processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the Hsu-Nielsen source with a sensor featuring the Auto Sensor Test (AST) function for generating and analyzing acoustic waves.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of AST sensors as an alternative to traditional methods in diagnostic studies.

Main Methods:

• Laboratory tests were conducted comparing the Hsu-Nielsen source and an AST sensor.
• The impact of sensor positioning, spacing, and distance from the source on wave parameters was analyzed.
• Key parameters analyzed include velocity, amplitude, energy, rise time, waveform shape, and wavelet maps.

Main Results:

• The study analyzed the influence of sensor placement and source distance on wave characteristics.
• The Auto Sensor Test (AST) function enables sensors to send and receive elastic waves for calibration.
• AST sensors demonstrated comparable performance to the Hsu-Nielsen source in diagnostic applications.

Conclusions:

• A sensor with the Auto Sensor Test (AST) function can serve as an effective alternative to the Hsu-Nielsen source.
• AST sensors offer a viable option for diagnostic studies involving acoustic wave propagation analysis.