Quantification of damage evolution in a 7075 aluminum alloy using an acoustic emission technique

► Monotonic particle cracking of the 7075 aluminum alloy was characterized. ► Stereological parameters revealed a strong dependence on strain. ► The acoustic emission activity was measured. ► Most of acoustic emission takes place in the initial stage of the deformation process. ► A strong correlation exists between the acoustic emission and the number of cracked particles.