Acoustic Emission

Acoustic emission refers to the process in which materials release transient waves of energy—sound waves—when they undergo stress or damage. Think of it as the material “crying out” when it develops tiny cracks or deforms. These sound waves can be detected with sensors, allowing engineers to monitor structural health in real-time. Acoustic emission is a valuable tool for early damage detection in things like bridges, aircraft, or pressure vessels, helping prevent catastrophic failure by providing insight into ongoing internal changes before visible signs appear.