Effect of plate wave dispersion on the acoustic emission parameters in metals

Acoustic emission (AE) is an inspection technique for monitoring of metals. AE parameters depend on the source mechanism and proper study enlightens the material’s condition. Classification criteria based on AE parameters are established concerning the material’s status. However, the shape of the AE waves depends on the propagation path. Thin plates exhibit strong dispersion that influences waveform parameters. This paper numerically studies wave propagation through a homogeneous plate. The study does not concern classical parameters like velocity and attenuation, but AE waveform parameters. It is shown that any classification, should incorporate the source location in order to exclude the effect of dispersion.

► Plate wave dispersion studied not by classic parameters like velocity and attenuation. ► Waveform duration, rise angle, frequency are studied with respect to propagation path. ► Proposal of methodology for clearing out the effect of dispersion from the acoustic waveforms.