This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: E1932 − 12 (Reapproved 2022)

Standard Guide for

Acoustic Emission Examination of Small Parts1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1932; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This guide covers techniques for conducting acoustic 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
emission (AE) examinations of small parts. It is confined to E650 Guide for Mounting Piezoelectric Acoustic Emission
examination objects (or defined regions of larger objects) Sensors
where there is low AE signal attenuation throughout the E750 Practice for Characterizing Acoustic Emission Instru-
examination region. This eliminates the consideration of com- mentation
plex attenuation factor corrections and multiple sensor and E976 Guide for Determining the Reproducibility of Acoustic
array placements based on overcoming signal losses over Emission Sensor Response
distances. E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
E2374 Guide for Acoustic Emission System Performance
1.2 The guide assumes a typical AE examination as one Verification
where there is a controlled or measured stress acting upon the
part being monitored by AE. Particular emphasis is placed on 3. Terminology
sensor and system selection, sensor placements, stressing
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considerations, noise reduction/rejection techniques, spatial
filtering, location determination, use of guard sensors, collec-
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Terminology related to acoustic emission is defined in

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Terminology E1316.
tion of AE data, AE data analysis and report. The purpose of
the AE examination is to analyze how an object under 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:

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evaluation is withstanding the applied load. 3.2.1 applied load—a controlled or known force or stress
which is applied to an object under examination for the purpose
1.3 Possible applications of this guide includes materials of analyzing the object’s reaction (by means of AE monitoring)
characterization, quality control of production processes, proof to that stress.
testing after fabrication, evaluating regions of interest of larger
ASTM E1932-12(2022)
structures and retesting after intervals of service. The applied 3.2.2 guard sensors—sensors whose primary function is the
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load may include mechanical forces (tension, compression or elimination of extraneous noise based on arrival sequences.
torsional) internal pressure and thermal gradients. 3.2.3 spatial discrimination—the process of using one or
more (guard and data) sensors to eliminate extraneous noise
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
based on arrival sequences.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2.4 spatial filtering—ability of an AE system or analysis
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- to disregard AE activity based on source location of the AE
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. event.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
4. Significance and Use
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 4.1 The purpose of the AE examination is to analyze how an
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- examination object is withstanding the applied load, or if it is
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical suffering from some latent damage. Consequently the emission
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. activity must be evaluated in relation to the applied load.
4.2 The applied load (on the examination object) may
include mechanical forces (tension, compression or torsional),
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestruc-
tive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.04 on Acoustic
2
Emission Method. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as E1932 – 12(2017). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/E1932-12R22. the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 E1932 − 12 (2022)
internal pressure and thermal gradients. It may be short to long, result. In cases where the applied load is part of the process
random or cyclic. The applied load may be controlled by the being monitored, a suitable time for AE monitoring needs to be
examiner or may already exist as part of the process. In either determined where process noise is low and applied load (for
case the applied load is measured along with the AE activity. AE examination purposes) maximum. Sometimes (if needed)
4.3 Possible applications include the determination of part the applied loading can be altered to achieve this without
integrity, quality control assessment of production processes on compromising the process (for example, inserting a short load
a sampled or 100 % inspection basis, in-process examination hold at maximum load).
during a period of applied load of a fabrication process (for (1) In cases where the applied load is controlled with the
example, spot welding, bonding, soldering, pressing, etc.), examination, then consideration should be given to design the
proof-testing after fabrication, monitoring a “region of inter- loading schedule to appropriately stress the examination object
est” (or concern) of a structure (for example, bridge joint or in order to excite “latent flaws” without over-stressing or
repair, vessel, pipe), and re–examination after intervals of damaging the object. In addition, the loading schedule should
service. be designed to provide best insight into the integrity of the part
(for example, implementing a load schedule to evaluate the
5. Procedure “Kaiser effect”).
5.1 Preliminary Information: 5.1.2.3 Sensor Types—Considerations that should guide the
5.1.1 Before examination, the following information, where user into proper selection include the sensor’s frequency range,
relevant, should be obtained by the AE examiner: size (including sensor height, diameter and weight), maximum
5.1.1.1 Type of object to be examined, together with layout or minimum temperature specification, the sensor’s sensitivity
drawings or sketches. and frequency response, and acoustic impedance matching of
5.1.1.2 Material specifications (including details of heat the sensor and part.
treatment where possible).
5.1.2.4 Location of Sensors and Placement Strategy—
5.1.1.3 Proposed or existing applied load specification to-
Considerations need to be given to the number of sensors
gether with a layout or sketch of the pressure/stress application
required for the examination, their placement strategy and
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system.
location on the part to be monitored.
5.1.1.4 Information regarding the measuring or recording of
(1) In cases where background noise can be controlled or
the applied load must also be obtained in order to determine the
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compatibility with the AE equipment. does not exist, then a single sensor near the expected source of
5.1.1.5 Potential sources of background noise and the iso- the AE is sufficient.
(2) In cases where there are a limited number of back-
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lating mechanisms applied thereto.
5.1.1.6 Previous history, including the maximum applied ground noise sources (such as the grips in a tension test), a
load to which the object or system has been subjected. single AE data sensor near the expected source of AE and the
5.1.1.7 Where possible, locations of known discontinuities use of a guard sensor near each background source will
and the general results of earlier AE or other ASTM E1932-12(2022)
NDE examina- effectively block noises that emanate from a region closer to
the guard sensors than to the AE data sensor. Alternatively, a
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tions.
group of two or more sensors can be strategically placed to
5.1.1.8 Results of earlier examinations on similar objects.
5.1.2 Before examination, the AE examiner should consider perform spatial discrimination of background noise and allow
the following information. Some details need to be coordinated processing of AE events.
with the on-site management or responsible personnel: (3) In cases where extraneous noise cannot be controlled
5.1.2.1 The Type of AE Equipment to be Used— and could be emanating from any or all directions, a multiple-
Considerations should include the number of channels, the sensor location strategy (such as linear or planar location)
frequency range of the instrument’s filters, the real-time data should be considered. In this situation, enough sensors should
processing rates for the type of application, its location/guard/ be specified to allow for an accurate source location, and
spatial filtering capabilities, the type of data being collected means should be available to allow for the application of
(for example, RMS, ASL, AE feature based or waveform spatial filtering and/or spatial discrimination so that only data
based) and the compatibility of the system to monitor and emanating from the region of interest is processed as relevant
record the applied load during the AE examination. These AE data.
items must be able to perform at the anticipated levels of 5.1.2.5 Data to be Recorded—The AE examiner should
performance expected during the examination. In addition, know in advance the data and information to be recorded and
consideration should be given to the data analysis, display and have all the necessary equipment, hardware, accessories and
replay capabilities of the equipment to assure its ability to software to acquire, store, and process this information. Other
process the stored data in a way needed to arrive at a than the equipment for AE monitoring, appropriate sensors and
satisfactory conclusion and examination result. devices are required for measuring and recording the applied
5.1.2.2 Application of Load—Consideration should be given load and other load or condition related parametric data.
to the application of the load in relation to the integrity of the Details of any interfaces may need to be coordinated with the
examination object and achieving a successful AE examination examination site management and personnel.

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 E1932 − 12 (2022)
5.1.2.6 Applicability and possible limitations of the method noise by monitoring the AE for a short period without the
for the particular examination. applied load or under slight loading conditions (if possible).
5.1.2.7 Any preconditions necessary for conducting the AE Identified sources may require acoustic isolation or control, so
examination such as surface preparation or limitation of that they will not mask relevant acoustic emission sources
pressurization rate needs to be coordinated with the within the object being examined.
examination-site management or responsible personnel. 5.4.1.3 Test spatial filtering, or other applied discrimination
5.2 Sensor Installation—The methods and procedures used facilities, to prove its/their capability to reject extraneous
in mounting AE sensors can have significant effects upon the burst-type noise.
performance of those sensors. Optimum and reproducible 5.4.2 Collection of AE Data:
detection of AE requires both appropriate sensor-mounting 5.4.2.1 Begin monitoring and recording AE data and subject
fixtures and consistent sensor-mounting procedures. Refer to the examination object to the applied load.
Guide E650. 5.4.2.2 During AE examination, whenever circumstances
allow, the noise at each sensor should be monitored periodi-
5.3 Calibration and Verification: cally to ensure that background noise remains acceptable for
5.3.1 Annual calibration and verification of pressure continued AE examination. The magnitude of the noise, the
transducer, AE sensors, preamplifiers (if applicable), signal times of any specific noise incidents and the effect of the noise
processor (particularly the signal processor time reference), on the AE examination, shall be recorded.
and AE electronic simulator (waveform generator) should be 5.4.2.3 The applied load or other parameters, or both,
performed. Equipment should be adjusted so that it conforms should be monitored and recorded to the extent necessary to
to the equipment manufacturer’s specifications. Instruments allow correlation with the AE data.
used for calibrations must have current accuracy certification 5.4.2.4 Acoustic emission data should be collected continu-
that is traceable to the National Institute for Standards and ously during load applications as well as during holds and
Technology (NIST). unloading.
5.3.2 Routine electronic evaluations should be performed
any time there is concern about signal processor performance. 5.5 Data Analysis—The AE signals should be analyzed to

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An AE electronic simulator (waveform generator) should be
used in making evaluations. Each signal processor channel
determine the integrity of examination objects after loading.
This analysis should be made over ranges of relevant param-
eters such as pressure (applied load), time, stress and tempera-
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must respond with peak amplitude reading within 62 dBV of
the electronic waveform generator output. Guide E750 de-
scribes other measurements for characterizing AE equipment.
ture. If location or spatial filtering facilities are used, only AE
signals which were generated within the region of interest
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5.3.3 A system performance verification should be con-
ducted immediately before, and immediately after, each AE
should be analyzed.
5.5.1 Emission Activity—AE activity of the part(s) being
examination. In addition, a system performance verification examined may be determined as the cumulative AE or event
can be conducted during the examination ifASTM count, or derived from parameters of detected AE signals or
E1932-12(2022)
there is any
otherwise. The analysis techniques should be uniform and
suspicion that the system performance may have changed. A
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performance check uses a mechanical device to induce stress repeatable.
waves into the examination object at a specified distance from 5.5.2 Evaluation Criteria—Evaluating the emission activity
each sensor (see Guide E2374). Induced stress waves stimulate of actual examination objects is based on criteria which have
a sensor in a manner similar to an acoustic emission. Perfor- been derived from previous similar examinations. Consider-
mance checks verify performance of the entire system (includ- ation of the statistical variance in data is necessary as with all
ing couplant). acceptance criteria. Particular attention should be paid to the
5.3.3.1 The preferred technique for conducting a perfor- time dependence of the emission activity during load holds.
mance check is a pencil lead break. Lead should be broken on The examiner should specify the criteria adopted.
the examination object surface at a prescribed distance from 5.5.3 Kaiser Effect—Evaluation should consider an analysis
the sensor (see 4.3.3 in Guide E976). In establishing the details of the examination objects integrity based on its adherence to
of the lead break technique, care should be taken to avoid the Kaiser effect (see Terminology E1316)
saturating the electronics. 5.6 Records—Records of the results and their interpretation
5.4 Examination: should include:
5.4.1 Pre-Examination Requirements—Before the AE 5.6.1 Preliminary Information:
examination, the following requirements should be completed. 5.6.1.1 The acoustic emission system and its characteristics
5.4.1.1 Visually examine the examination object, the acous- (for example, criteria for AE signal recognition, channel
tic sensors and other instrumentation, to verify that the equip- dead-time, frequency filter values, gain, system threshold, data
ment is securely mounted and isolated from controllable processing rate or measures of activity),
sources of acoustic and electrical noise. 5.6.1.2 Identity and qualifications of examination personnel,
5.4.1.2 Review the examination object to identify all poten- 5.6.1.3 Date and time of examination,
tial sources of background noise such as rubbing surfaces 5.6.1.4 Part description and identification,
(friction), pump or other vibration, valve stroking, personnel 5.6.1.5 Method of coupling sensors to object,
movement, fluid flow and turbulence. Evaluate background 5.6.1.6 Position of sensors, and