Acoustic emission monitoring

Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring is a non-destructive, condition-monitoring technique that detects the high-frequency stress waves (typically 100 kHz to 1 MHz) released when a crack grows, a bearing surface spalls, or a fluid leaks under pressure. Piezoelectric sensors on the casing capture these transient bursts, and their energy, rate, and amplitude trend toward incipient failure before vibration or temperature change. On marine plant it screens main-bearing condition, gear-tooth pitting, crankshaft fatigue, and valve or steam leakage, complementing vibration analysis and lube-oil sampling within a condition-based maintenance program.