Quality Control Education - A University Course in Acoustic Emission

The four-credit (forty hours) Acoustic Emission course was developed for Drexel University’s engineering technology (ET) and engineering students. The course presents principles of Acoustic Emission (AE) Nondestructive Evaluation of Materials (NDE), combining hands-on laboratory experience with lectures. The students learn the physical principles of acoustic emission generation, propagation and detection in engineering materials and structures. This includes principles of stress and strain and the underlying science of material deformation, crack growth and failure. Students also learn how these principles are utilized to build technical applications of acoustic emission considered as an NDE method. Practical applications in various industries are described. During laboratory sessions, students are introduced to tools, methodologies, and techniques used by NDE specialists in real-world applications. Specifically, the students observe acoustic emission in metals, composite materials and plastics; study acoustic wave propagation and attenuation; learn how to check a set of sensors for consistent sensitivity; set up an acoustic emission system for automatic source location; and engage in structural test data analysis. A laboratory report, clearly describing collected data, results, conclusions, and comments is required after completion of each laboratory session.