Delta T source location for acoustic emission

Acoustic emission (AE) source location provides a powerful tool for the engineer. Current methods, time of arrival (TOA) location and single sensor modal analysis location (SSMAL), are based on assumptions derived from a simplistic structure. In complex geometric structures these assumptions are incorrect. This paper describes a novel solution for AE source location in complicated geometric structures. “Delta T” source location utilises an artificial source; recording differences in times of arrival information from a number of locations, to improve source location. This method does not require knowledge of the sensor location or wavespeed. A 5-step description of the process is provided and practical results from an initial trial are presented. Results from the initial trial demonstrated a considerable improvement over the conventional TOA source location method, with a reduction in location error from 4.81% using the conventional TOA technique, to 1.77% using “Delta T” location.