Acoustic emission testing on an F/A-18 E/F titanium bulkhead

Christopher A. Martin; Craig B. Van Way; Allen J. Lockyer; Jayanth N. Kudva; Steve M. Ziola

doi:10.1117/12.207672

20 April 1995 Acoustic emission testing on an F/A-18 E/F titanium bulkhead

Christopher A. Martin, Craig B. Van Way, Allen J. Lockyer, Jayanth N. Kudva, Steve M. Ziola

Proceedings Volume 2444, Smart Structures and Materials 1995: Smart Sensing, Processing, and Instrumentation; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.207672
Event: Smart Structures and Materials '95, 1995, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

An important opportunity recently transpired at Northrop Grumman Corporation to instrument an F/A - 18 E/F titanium bulkhead with broad band acoustic emission sensors during a scheduled structural fatigue test. The overall intention of this effort was to investigate the potential for detecting crack propagation using acoustic transmission signals for a large structural component. Key areas of experimentation and experience included (1) acoustic noise characterization, (2) separation of crack signals from extraneous noise, (3) source location accuracy, and (4) methods of acoustic transducer attachment. Fatigue cracking was observed and monitored by strategically placed acoustic emission sensors. The outcome of the testing indicated that accurate source location still remains enigmatic for non-specialist engineering personnel especially at this level of structural complexity. However, contrary to preconceived expectations, crack events could be readily separated from extraneous noise. A further dividend from the investigation materialized in the form of close correspondence between frequency domain waveforms of the bulkhead test specimen tested and earlier work with thick plates.

Citation Download Citation

Christopher A. Martin, Craig B. Van Way, Allen J. Lockyer, Jayanth N. Kudva, and Steve M. Ziola "Acoustic emission testing on an F/A-18 E/F titanium bulkhead", Proc. SPIE 2444, Smart Structures and Materials 1995: Smart Sensing, Processing, and Instrumentation, (20 April 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.207672

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