Prediction of Micro-Cracks in Steel Structures Subjected to Fatigue by Means of Acoustic Emission
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper presents the development of a monitoring system using acoustic emission (AE) analysis for the prediction of micro- and initial cracks in fatigue-stressed steel structures such as bridges, cranes, offshore, or industrial constructions. Initial experimentation suggests a relationship between microscopically observed crack length and AE intensity, further data is required to establish a definitive correlation. As part of an ongoing research project, AE measurement techniques and evaluation are to be further developed to create a monitoring concept for micro-crack prediction in more complex fatigue-stressed steel components. The focus of this research is not on the localization and detection of crack growth or structural changes but on micro-crack detection using AE. Existing acoustic emission analysis systems can thus be extended to measure and detect micro-cracks for the earliest possible identification of damage events. This paper describes the first results of the innovative research idea.
Authors: Björn Abeln, Helen Bartsch, Pablo Muñoz Sanchez, Amir Kianfar, Thorben Geers, Markus Feldmann, Elisabeth Clausen
Institution: RWTH Aachen University
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,290
Funder: RWTH Aachen University
OpenAlex ID: W4413868765