Features of Planar Localization of Acoustic Emission Sources via the Inglada’s Triangulation Algorithm

This paper presents a methodology for enhancing the efficiency of acoustic emission (AE) source detection during planar localization using the Inglada’s algorithm. The study analyzes the main factors affecting the accuracy of AE source localization when using a standard planar localization approach. These factors include the threshold-based method of determining the signal registration time by AE sensors, which is based on detecting the moment when the rising wavefront voltage exceeds the discrimination threshold (uth), the signal sampling frequency (fd), and the influence of the medium’s dispersion properties on the attenuation of signal amplitude and wave propagation speed. To reduce the impact of these factors on the localization accuracy of AE sources, a novel methodology is proposed based on the use of correlation dependencies of AE pulse propagation speed on the amplitude of the recorded signals, as well as on accounting for the delay in the registration time of AE pulses during threshold detection. A series of preliminary experiments was conducted to implement the proposed methodology, where AE pulses were generated using an electronic simulator with a maximum amplitude level of um = 45—90 dB. The position of the AE pulse source varied in the range of 150 to 700 mm relative to the receiving sensors of the antenna array. As a result of applying the developed methodology, the probability of AE source detection increased to p = 0,71, compared to p = 0,36 when using the standard approach.