An analysis is presented which shows how acoustic emission caused by microcracking is expected to vary during an elastically reversible load cycle. The acoustic emission rate during unloading can be predicted directly from the acoustic emission rates observed during the loading and holding periods of a test cycle. Any discrepancy between the measured and predicted rates during unloading indicates irreversible behavior. A measure of the severity of the residual stress that results from irreversibility can be determined from the measured acoustic emission.

Acoustic emission from microcracking during elastically reversible load cycles can be predicted and used to measure residual stress severity in cases of irreversible behavior.

Residual Stress Measurement Using Acoustic Emission

Key Takeaway: Acoustic emission from microcracking during elastically reversible load cycles can be predicted and used to measure residual stress severity in cases of irreversible behavior.