Acoustic Emission Testing Method

Questions & Answers Book

Second Edition
Supplement to
Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A
Book G

Levels I, II and III

Review Questions

The American Society for

Nondestructive Testing, Inc.
II

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ISBN-13: 978-1-57117-178-8

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Second Edition
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 iii

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Acknowledgments iv
v
Reference Usage vi
Level I Questions 1
Level II Questions 5
Level III Questions 13

§
iv

I
f

A special thank you to Ronnie K. Miller, who coordinated this edition of the Supplement to
Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book ): Acoustic Emission Testing , wrote many of
the new questions, and recruited the volunteers who assisted with this update.

Thank you also goes to the following contributors who assisted with the writing of new
questions and review of this book:
Gerry Hacker
Jim Mitchell
Richard Nordstrom
Adrian Pollock
Joel Whitaker

The Publications Review Committee includes:

Joseph L. Mackin, Chair
Stephen P. Black
Gary Heath

Cynthia M. Leeman
Educational Materials Supervisor

\l
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 V

Recommended References
Acoustic Emission Testing Method
The following references were used In formulating the questions contained in this book.

A. ASME, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Article 11, "Acoustic Emission Examination of Fiber
Reinforced Plastic Vessels.” New York, NY: American Society for Mechanical Engineers. Latest edition.
B. ASME, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Article 12 , “Acoustic Emission Examination of Metallic
Vessels during Pressure Testing." New York, NY: American Society for Mechanical Engineers. Latest edition .
C.* Miller, Ronnie K. and Paul Mclntire, ed. Nondestructive Testing Handbook , second edition: Volume 5, Acoustic
Emission Testing. Columbus, OH: The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc. (1987).
D * Nondestructive Evaluation and Quality Control : ASM Handbook , Volume 17, ninth edition. Metals Park, OH: ASM
International (1989).
.
E.* Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (2006 ) Columbus, OH: The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc.
(2006).
F.* Moore, Harry D., ed. Materials and Processes for NDT Technology . Columbus, OH: The American Society for
Nondestructive Testing, Inc. (1981).
G. ASTM E 569-07, Standard Practice for Acoustic Emission Monitoring of Structures During Controlled Stimulation .
West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International ( 2007).
H. ASTM E 750-04, Standard Practice for Characterizing Acoustic Emission Instrumentation . West Conshohocken,
PA: ASTM International (2007).
I. ASTM E 976-05, Standard Guide for Determining the Reproducibility of Acoustic Emission Sensor Response.
West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International (2007).
I .
J ASTM E 1067-89, Standard Practice for Acoustic Emission Examination of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Resin
( FRP) Tanks/ Vesseis . West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International (2007).
K. ASTM E 1106-07, Standard Method for Primary Calibration of Acoustic Emission Sensors . West Conshohocken,
PA: ASTM International (2007).
L. ASTM E 1139-02, Standard Practice for Continuous Monitoring of Acoustic Emission from Metal Pressure
Boundaries . West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International ( 2007).
M. ASTM E 1781-98, Standard Practice for Secondary Calibration of Acoustic Emission Sensors . West
Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International ( 2007).
N. ASTM E 1932-97, Standard Guide for Acoustic Emission Examination of Small Parts . West Conshohocken, PA:
ASTM International (2007).
O.* Miller, Ronnie K., Eric v.K. Hill and Patrick 0. Moore, ed. Nondestructive Testing Handbook , third edition: Volume 6,
Acoustic Emission Testing. Columbus, OH: The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc. (2005).
* Available from The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc.

Each question found in this book contains letter(s) and page number(s), paragraphs or sections in bold type
immediately following the answers. For example,

2. In acoustic emission testing per ASME Section V, Article 11, sensor spacing on
fiberglass-reinforced pressure (FRP) pressure vessels is governed by:

a. the test article temperature

b. sensor diameter
c. attenuation
d. the type of couplant
A.90.15
In this example, the letter “A" refers to Reference A in the list provided above, and "90.15 " is the specific page in
Reference A where the answer to the question can be found. References may also indicate specific chapters,
paragraphs and sections, and are indicated as such.
vi

Reference Usage
Acoustic Emission Testing Method

Reference A: Total = 7 Reference I: Total = 3

Level I 3 Level I 0
Level II 4 Level II 1
Level III 0 Level III 2

Reference B; Total = 5 Reference J: Total = 0

Level I 2 Level I 0
Level II 3 Level II 0
Level III 0 Level III 0

Reference C: Total = 19 Reference K: Total = 4

Level I 7 Level I 0
Level II 9 Level II 0
Level III 3 Level III 4

Reference D: Total = 1 Reference L: Total = 12

Level I 1 Level I 2
Level II 0 Level II 8
Level III 0 Level III 2

Reference E: Total = 0 Reference M: Total = 2

Level I 0 Level I 0
Level II 0 Level II 0
Level III 0 Level III 2

Reference F: Total = 3 Reference N: Total = 3

Level I 0 Level I 1
Level II 2 Level II 2
Level III 1 Level III 0

Reference G: Total = 6 Reference 0: Total = 28

Level I 0 Level I 12
Level II 6 Level II 15
Level III 0 Level III 1

Reference H: Total = 3
Level I 0
Level II 0
Level III 3
 1

Level I Questions
Acoustic Emission Testing Method

1. Hold periods at high loads during 5. Which of the following can be a

fiberglass-reinforced pressure ( FRP ) vessel significant source of background noise ?
examinations using ASME Article 11 are
necessary to: a. in-rushing fluid
b. wind
a. calculate the felicity ratio c. radio transmissions
b. check for leaks d. all of the above
c. monitor continuing damage B .179
d. measure the kaiser ratio
A . 90.16 6. The elastic energy that is released by
materials when they undergo deformation
2. In acoustic emission testing per ASME is called:
Section V, Article 11, sensor spacing on
fiberglass- reinforced pressure ( FRP ) a. transformation
vessels is governed by: b. acoustic emission
c. brittle fracture
a. attenuation d. isotrophy
.
c the test article temperature C.12; 0.32
c. sensor diameter
d. the type of couplant 7. During loading, a metallic structure emits
A . 90.15 throughout the test period. When the load
is reduced and then reapplied, no
3. How can an examiner be assured that emissions are noted until the previous
proper contact has been made between the stress level was exceeded. This
sensor and the vessel? phenomenon is an example of:

a . apply extra couplant around the sensor a. the dunegan corollary

b. use heavy-duty fasteners on sensors b. the kaiser effect
and cables c. the felicity ratio
c. measure the peak amplitude response d. a hsu-nielsen source
from a simulated acoustic emission C .16 ; 0.37
source
d. use acoustic waveguides 8. The founder of modern acoustic emission
A . 90.14-15 technology was:

4 . The source of the energy of the acoustic a . Conrad Earl Krieder

emission wave during crack growth is the: b. Professor Firestone
c. James C. Bolling
a. acoustic emission sensor d . Josef Kaiser
b. surface energy of the new crack C.17 ; 0.37
c. elastic stress field in the structure
d. power supply from the mainframe to
the preamplifier
C.64

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2 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book ): Acoustic Emission Testing Method

9. The use of a couplant between the 13. One of the major differences in the
acoustic emission sensor and the surface acoustic emission NDT method compared
of the material being tested is to provide: to most other NDT methods is that:

a . protection for the sensor a . acoustic emission relies on visual

b. ground loop elimination interpretation of data
c. a medium through which elastic stress b. computers are used exclusively for
waves can excite an acoustic emission analysis
sensor c. acoustic emission directly detects the
d. none of the above growth of flaws
C . 39 ; 0.53 d . transducers are used to gather data
C .12
10. During a pressure vessel test, there is a
rapidly (exponentially) increasing count 14. The signal amplitude (in decibels) is given
.
rate. There are several possible causes The as:
operator’s first priority is to examine the
possibility that: A = -
20 log10 ( V / V0 ) Gp

a. the initial system calibration was where:

invalid V = Signal Amplitude at the preamp
b. the vessel is undergoing local yielding output, in microvolts
due to high secondary stresses V0 = Reference Voltage = 1.0 pV
c. failure of the vessel is impending Gp = Preamplifier Gain = 40 dB
d . the level of background noise has
increased What is the signal amplitude ( in decibels )
B .181 of an AE signal captured at the
preamplifier output on an oscilloscope
11. In order for an AE system to detect an and measuring 1.0 V ?
active AE source in a material, the AE
sensor must be placed: a. 55 dB
b. 60 dB
a . directly on the AE source c. 80 dB
b. anywhere in the general vicinity of the d. 120 dB
AE source 0.26
c. as far from the AE source as possible
d . at a standard distance from the AE 15. One microvolt is the same as:
source
C.12 a . 0.001 V
b. 0.000001 V
12. Which of the following is measured in c. 10 mV
meters per second ( m / s ) ? d . 0.1 mV
0.27
a. the time required for a crack to grow
b. the resonant frequency of a material
c. the velocity of sound in a given
material
d. the rate of strain when a material is
being deformed
D . 233

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16. Raising the detection threshold ( or
I lowering the gain ) to reduce background
noise is not desired because it can lead to;
a. reduced genuine emissions
b. changes in the value of the AE signal
features
c. fewer loeatable AE events due to fewer
hits being detected
d. all of the above
0.41
17. The active element inside an AE sensor
that senses surface displacements is
usually;
a. a capacitor
b. a piezoelectric crystal
c. a strain gauge
d. an inductive coil
0.51
18. When should a waveguide be used in place
of an adhesive for coupling an AE
transducer to a text object?
a. when access to the surface of the test
object is limited
b. when surface temperatures start to
reduce the coupling properties and
bond strength of the adhesive
c. both a and b
d. none of the above
0.53
19. AE sensors may be mounted directly to
painted surfaces if:
a . the paint is smooth, not too thick and
well bonded to the vessel surface
b. the paint is oil based
c. the paint is not lead based
d. the paint has been adequately cured
0.271
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Level I Questions - Acoustic Emission Testing Method 3
.
20 The most common way of attaching AE
sensors to carbon steel vessels that operate
at low to medium temperatures is;
a. with hot glue
b. with duct tape and wax
c. silicon based vacuum grease and
magnetic hold downs
d. permanent stick epoxy glue
0.271
21. The most common artificial source of AE
used to verify sensor coupling is;
a . a spring loaded center punch
b. a handful of small rocks thrown at the
vessel wall
c. 0.3 mm, 2 H mechanical pencil lead
breaks
d. 0.7 mm, 2H mechanical pencil lead
breaks
0.273
22. ASTM E 1139-02 applies to metal
pressure boundaries in industrial systems
such as;
a. pressure vessels
b. piping
c. other system components which serve
to contain system pressure
d. all of the above
L.Para . 1.1
23. What information should be recorded
about background noise during a test?
a . the magnitude of background noise at
periodic intervals during the test, as
the test circumstances allow
b. the times of any specific noise
incidents
c. the effects of noise on the examination
d. all of the above
L. Para. 5.4. 2.2
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4 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book ): Acoustic Emission Testing Method

24. Which of the following is recommended

for monitoring and recording of the
applied load in an AE test?

a. the applied load should be monitored

and recorded to the extent necessary to
allow correlation to the AE data
b. the applied load should be monitored
so that it reaches a sufficient load level
and may be recorded independently of
the AE signal
c. the applied load may be checked at
intervals during testing. If at any of
these intervals the load level is
sufficiently above a pretest specified
target, that will be sufficient.
d . an AE event must be recorded each
time an applied load data is sampled
and recorded
.
N.Para. 1.1 and 5.4 2.3

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 5

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Level II Questions
Acoustic Emission Testing

1. If a crack is detected by AE during a 4. Attenuation in metals is due primarily to:

pressure test, how can its existence be
verified using AE? a. geometric beam spreading
b. material damping
a . repeat the same loading c. a and b
b. monitor during a load hold at 50% of d. beam refraction
the maximum test pressure O.Chap. 2/ Part 7
c. load to a pressure slightly higher then
the previous maximum test load 5 . AE produced by a liquid leaking through a
d. monitor during a load at 25% of the valve is due primarily to:
maximum text pressure
O. Chap.l/ Part 2 a. turbulence
b. cavitation
2 . If rain starts falling on an uninsulated c. a and b
vessel during an AE test and produces d. none of the above
significant background noise, the AE test 0.182
operator should:
6. An additional source of background noise
a. speed up the test that is sometimes detected during AE
b. pause the test until the rain lets up testing of inservice metal storage tanks is:
enough or stops
c. conclude the test and call the current a. active corrosion
load, 100% maximum test load b. overhead power lines
d. continue the test and perform filtering c. highway traffic
of the background during the analysis d. railroad traffic
0.13-14 0.221

3. AE generated during pro of testing, when 7. What is the main difference in testing
the load is between the service load and spheres as compared to bullets and
the maximum proof load, is indicative of drums?
the damage experienced during the
preceding working period . This is the a . the size and shape
basic idea put forth through ; b. the liquid loading experienced by the
sphere
a . the kaiser effect c. a and b
b. the felicity effect d. spheres require minimal sensor
c. the dunegan corollary placement
d. rahman scattering theory 0.270
0.37

OL B9 og op 0£ 31
6 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book ): Acoustic Emission Testing Method

8. AE testing of inservice vessels is aimed .

12 During continuous monitoring of pressure \
primarily at detecting service related boundaries, AE sources are stimulated by:
cracking. This cracking may be a result of:
a. special cyclic loading
a. stress corrosion cracking (SCC) b. normal system operating conditions
b. sulfide stress cracking (SSC) c. over pressurization
c. fatigue cracking d. all of the above
d. all of the above L.Para. 5.1
0.270
.
13 During continuous monitoring of pressure
9. Size, shape and orientation of defects boundaries per ASTM E 1139, AE system
detected by AE testing, is usually operation and data interpretation should
determined by: be verified by a qualified AE specialist:

a. size is estimated by the number of a. once a month

ringdown counts b. once a year
b. orientation can be assumed to be c. every six months
normal to the hoop direction d. only when there are signs of the system
c. shape can always be assumed to be like malfunctioning
a “half penny” L.Para. 7.7
d. follow- up nondestructive testing
0.270 14. During continuous monitoring of pressure
boundaries per ASTM E 1139, a 0.3 mm,
10. When testing inservice pressure vessels, 2H pencil lead break at a distance of
the maximum test load is commonly 300 mm ( 12 in.) should produce a signal
based on the maximum operating to noise ratio of
pressure experienced:
ƒ
a. 1 to 1
a. in the last one or two months of b. 2 to 1
operation c. 3 to 1
b. in the last six or 12 months of d. 4 to 1
operation L.Para. 8.1.2
c. in the last 10 years of operation
d. over the life of the vessel 15. During continuous monitoring of pressure
0.274 boundaries, signal detection sensitivity
should be evaluated during normal
11. Why is it wise to start an AE test for an operation:
inservice pressure vessel at a load lower
then required ? a . by using a spring loaded center punch
b. by tapping the pressure boundary with
a . to determine that the loading rate is a light hammer
sufficient c. by using pencil lead breaks as a signal
b. to verify that the AE instrument is source
operating satisfactorily d . by using a 7 mm pencil lead break
c. the maximum operating pressure may 3.05 m (10 ft ) from the sensor
be uncertain and AE from SCC occurs L.Para. 8.1.2
within a few percent of this value
d. all of the above
0.271

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 Level II Questions - Acoustic Emission Testing Method 7

\ 16. During continuous monitoring of pressure
boundaries, the distance at which an AE
source can be detected is maximized by
using a recommended low monitoring
frequency of:
a. 10 kHz to 20 kHz
b. 20 kHz to 60 kHz
c. 50 kHz to 100 kHz
d. 200 kHz to 400 kHz
L.Para. 8.1.4
17. During continuous monitoring of pressure
boundaries, an AE system can perform
leak detection if:
a . it can measure the average signal level
and / or AE rms voltage at each channel
b. it can measure ring down counts
c. it can measure hit rate
d. it can measure signal duration above
500 KHz
.
L.Para 12.1.2; Para. 8.1.7.2
18. For continuous monitoring of pressure
boundaries, source location can be
performed using:
a. difference in Time Of Arrival for
multiple sensors
b. a “look up” table of Afs
c. signal difference
d. all of the above
.
L.Para. 12.1.6; Para 8.1.7.2
19. During continuous monitoring of pressure
boundaries, leaks are indicated by
a . a sudden increase in the AE rms signal
level and a return back to the normal
signal level
b. a 6 dB change in the average signal
level lasting more than 5 seconds
c. a sustained increase in the AE rms
signal level from one or more sensors
in a given sensor array
d. an increase in the noise level lasting
more than 5 seconds
. .
L Para 12.1.6
20. What characteristic of a part best
determines whether a test piece should be
considered a large part or small part for
AE testing purposes?
a . a part is considered small when one
load parameter will characterize the
whole part
b. a part is considered small when
attenuation factors do not need to be
considered
c. if a waveguide is required to access the
part, the part is considered small
d . a part is considered small if all pencil
lead breaks made at any and all
positions on the part can still be
detected by a single sensor
N.Section 1
21. Of the following situations, which is the
most appropriate for using only a single
AE sensor?
a. in a small part where the sensor can be
placed near the expected source of AE
and where one or two known noises
occur
b. in a large part where a single sensor
can be used to locate AE sources
because of the separation of fast and
slow wave modes
c. in a small part with no known noise
sources and where the sensor can be
placed next to the expected source of
AE
d. near multiple expected sources of AE,
provided there is no background noise
present
N.Sectlons 1and 5
22. For checking zonal location sensitivity,
what is the minimum number of AE
sensors that shall detect a simulated source
at any given position on the structure?
a. none
b. one
c. two
d. three or more
G.Section 8.3.2.1

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8 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book ): Acoustic Emission Testing Method

23. When monitoring a source of AE, the 25. When monitoring a source of AE, the \
acoustic activity ( as measured by event acoustic activity ( as measured by event /
count or emission count ) does not count or emission count ) increases with
increase with increasing stimuli. Which of increasing stimuli. Which of the following
the following classifications apply to this classifications apply to this source? Note:
source ? for this question , the rate of acoustic
activity is not increasing with increasing
a. inactive stimuli.
b. active
c. critically active a. inactive
d. intense b. active
G.Para. 11.1.2 c. critically active
d. intense
24. According to Table T-1121 of ASME G.Para. 11.1.2
Section V, Article 11 ( below) , how much
time must a pressure vessel, normally 26. When monitoring a source of AE, the rate
operated at 414 kPa ( 60 psig ) , be operated of acoustic activity ( as measured by event
at 207 kPa ( 30 psig ) before acoustic count or emission count ) increases with
emission examination ? increasing stimuli. Which of the following
classifications apply to this source?
a. 12 hours
b. 30 hours a. inactive
c. 2 days b. active
d. 4 days c. critically active
A.90.13-14 d. intense
G.Para. 11.1.2

27. When monitoring a source of AE, both of

Table T-1121 the following are found to be true:
Requirements for Reduced Operating Levels • the acoustic activity (as measured by
Immediately Prior to Examination event count or emission count )
increases with increasing stimuli;
Percent of Operating Time Spent at Percent of
• the intensity ( as measured by average
Maximum Pressure and/ or Maximum Pressure and/ or
energy per event or average emission
count per event or average amplitude
Load Load
per event ) exceeds the average
10 or less 12 hr
intensity by a fixed level.
20 18 hr
30
Which of the following classifications
30 hr
40
should be used to describe this source?
2 days
50 4 days
60
a. inactive
7 days
b. active
Example: c. critically active
For an inservice vessel, two factors must be known prior to making d. intense
a test: G.Para. 11.1.2
(1) the maximum operating pressure or load during the past year;
(2) the test pressure.

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 Level II Questions - Acoustic Emission Testing Method 9

28. While there is no set criteria for acceptable .

33 A major benefit of the acoustic emission
limits on sensor degradation, what levels method is that it:
of discrepancy warrant further action?
a . finds smaller cracks than any other
a. sensors that demonstrate loss of method
response of greater than 4 dB b. is readily repeatable
b. sensors that demonstrate loss of c. produces superior images of defects in
response of greater than 6 dB thick-section steels
c. sensors that demonstrate loss of d . requires access to the structure only at
response of greater than 8 dB the sensor locations
d. sensors that demonstrate loss of C.13
response of greater than 10 dB
I.Section 6 34. MARSE is:

29. High amplitude events during the a. the Mean Acoustic Ringdown Signal
examination of fiberglass-reinforced Envelope
pressure ( FRP ) vessels usually indicates: b. useful as a measure of continuous
noise
a. fiber breakage c. often observed to increase with
b. debonding increasing load in tests of damaged
c. fiber pullout structures
d. microcracking d. all of the above
A.90.16 B.181

30. When an elastic material is stretched 35. The concept that all, or nearly all,
elastically, the stress is: materials are capable of generating
1 acoustic emission was first set forth in
a. greater than the strain 1950 by:
b. less than the strain
c. proportional to the strain .
a Dunegan
d. equal to the strain b. Parry
.
F 19-20 c. Kaiser
d. Johnson
31. Which of the following terms means a C.17
material's ability to resist crack growth ?
36. A typical source mechanism of acoustic
a. ductility emission is:
b. toughness
c. hardness .
a crack growth
d . resistance b. movement of dislocations
.
F 21 c. matrix cracking in fiber- reinforced
plastics
32. A limitation of the acoustic emission d. all of the above
method applied to metals is that it: C.12

a. is not immediately repeatable

.
b can only find defects that break the
surface
c. requires vessels to be taken out of
service for the test
d . requires personnel to be close to
vessels at high pressures
/ 0.13

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10 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book ): Acoustic Emission Testing Method

37. The felicity ratio is a quantitative measure 4 L Of the following components, which one is \
best used to evaluate: not considered to be part of a typical
acoustic emission sensor?
a. carbon steel reactors
b. stainless steel piping a. electrodes
c. fiberglass vessels and storage tanks b. active element
d. 7075 aluminum aircraft structures c. acoustic waveguide
C.18 d. backing material
C.123
38. When selecting the best sensor frequency
for a particular acoustic emission test, it is 42. When performing source location, which
important to consider all of the following of the following most directly affects the
except: accuracy of computed location?

a. attenuation characteristics of the a. accuracy of sensor placement

material b. physical size of a sensor
b. frequency spectrum and level of c. sensor frequency
background noise d. sensor couplant
c. cable length C.150
d. sensor spacing
B .191 43. In acoustic emission testing of
fiberglass- reinforced pressure (FRP) tanks
39. After an initial proof test, a defect grows and pressure vessels, significant activity on
during a year in service. Acoustic emission low frequency sensors and very little
can often detect this defect during a activity on high frequency sensors
second proof test. Dunegan’s reasoning for normally indicates:
this phenomena is that the:
a . need to relocate high frequency
a. second proof test will be done at a sensors
higher load b. high amplitude, low frequency
b. kaiser effect will disappear after one emissions
year c. fiber breakage
c. local stress field around the defect will d. crazing
be higher during the second proof test A . 90.16
d. kaiser effect does not apply to flawed
materials 44. In acoustic emission testing of
0.37 fiberglass-reinforced pressure ( FRP) tanks
and pressure vessels, low frequency
40. The positioning of sensors for acoustic sensors are used for:
emission testing of metal pressure vessels
is commonly based on: a. eliminating spurious noise sources
b. low temperature environments
a. the measured attenuation in the c. examinations using cables over 91 m
structure (300 ft)
b. the need to detect structural flaws at d . backing up the high frequency sensors
critical locations A . 90.14
c. the velocity of sound in the structure
d. both a and b
B .179

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12 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book ): Acoustic Emission Testing Method

(
Ï

i
 Level II Questions - Acoustic Emission Testing Method 11

.
45 Which of the following factors tend to 48. Which of the following facilitates the
/ increase the amplitude of the acoustic transmission of acoustic waves into a
emission response? typical sensor ?

a . low strength material a. couplant

b. small grain size b. active element
c. absence of discontinuities c. surface of the test object
d . high strain rates d . damping material
C.13 C.124: 0.53

46. One of the two major differences in the
acoustic emission method from other
forms of NDT is that:
a . acoustic emission relies on visual
interpretation of data
b. computers are used exclusively for
analysis
c. the energy detected is radiated from
the defect itself
d . transducers are used to gather data
C.12; 0.32
47. One advantage of using acoustic emission
over other forms of NDT is that acoustic
emission can:
49. When should a system performance
evaluation* be performed ?
(*) A performance evaluation in this case
is a simulated AE, such as a pencil lead
break, in the test structure to verify
that the AE system registers the
appropriate level of AE.
a. before testing
b. after testing
c. at random and unscheduled intervals,
as deemed necessary by the AE
inspector
d. all of the above
G.Para. 8.3

a . be used to evaluate an entire structure

during one test
b. be used to “size” a discontinuity in a
material
c. determine material thicknesses
d. measure thermal gradients within a
material
0.13

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 13

Level III Questions

Acoustic Emission Testing

1. The hoop stress in a thin-walled pressure 4. Yielding is a common source of acoustic

vessel is given by pr/ ty where p is the emission in metals, for example A515
internal pressure, r is the radius of the grade 70. At what stress levels do
.
vessel, and t is the wall thickness The axial significant emissions generally begin ?
stress is:
a. 50-60 percent of the yield point
a. twice the hoop stress b. 60-70 percent of the yield point
b. the same as the hoop stress c. 70-80 percent of the yield point
c. half of the hoop stress d. 80-90 percent of the yield point
d. not directly related to the hoop stress C.156
F.17
5. Which of the following can be used to
2. The phrase “stress intensity factor” refers measure the operating characteristics of
to the: acoustic emission instrumentation ?

a. stress in the neighborhood of a crack a. a RMS voltmeter

b. stress concentration produced by a b. a variable decibel attenuator
\ c. a tone burst generator
hole
c. stress needed to break a tensile d. all of the above
specimen H.Section 4.0
d. ratio of hoop stress to axial stress in a
pressure vessel
C.46

3. In order to use the signal-amplitude

measurement method to locate a
continuous signal source, which of the
following should be known ?

a . measured location of the sensors

b. signal levels at sensor outputs
c. attenuation characteristics of the
structure
d . all of the above
C.138

PQ qt7 pe vz OT
Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book ): Acoustic Emission Testing Method

6. Conventional source location , using 8. What are the main components of the
time-of-arrival and triangulation, has primary calibration system described in *
proven to be unsatisfactory for ASTME 1106 ?
fiber-reinforced pressure ( FRP )
equipment. Which item listed below is not a . waveform generator, pulser, device to
one of the three main problems with be calibrated ( mounted face-to-face
source location in FRP equipment? with the pulser ), and recorder
b. mechanical input device , standard
a . Severe attenuation prohibits the transducer, device to be calibrated,
multiple sensor hits that are required transfer block, and recorder
for triangulation. c. transfer block, device to be calibrated ,
b. Triangulation assumes constant stress recorder, and 0.3 mm, 2 H mechanical
.
wave velocities in all directions Since pencil
most FRP structures are anisotropic, d . waveform generator, pulser, calibration
this is rarely the case. device and strip chart recorder.
c. Sensors resonant at 60 kHz are K.Section 6.0
typically used for acoustic emission
tests on FRP equipment. 9. What type of wave is considered for
Time -of -arrival is generally not primary calibration ?
measured with these sensors.
d . High event rates from single sources a. bulk waves
are typical in FRP material. b. buried longitudinal waves
Attenuation may cause one event to go c. buried shear waves
undetected at one sensor and the d. surface waves
system may mistake the next event for K.Para. 5.5.2
the one undetected.
L.62 10 . During primary calibration, the standard
transducer and the device to be calibrated
7. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to are placed:
reduce the test load until the AE activity
returns to acceptable levels. For what a. face to face
reason would the load be reapplied? b. on opposite surfaces
c. on the same surface as the mechanical
a. to determine the felicity ratio to input device
determine if a large discontinuity exists d . none of the above
b. to acquire additional data to help K.Para. 6.1
isolate the location of any
discontinuities 11. During primary calibration , a transfer
c. a and b block fabricated from lower density
d. to finish the test according to the load material will result in:
schedule
0.273 a . no shear waves being generated
b. only low frequency sensors being
calibrated
c. higher loading to couple the device
that is being calibrated
d. lower sensitivity
K.Para. 5.5.1

PTT OOT P6 P8 oi 09

12. The reference sensor used for secondary
calibration is:
a. a NIST conical transducer
b. any commercial AE sensor that has
been calibrated by the manufacturer
c. an accelerometer used at its natural
frequency
d . a 5 MHz ultrasonic transducer
M.Para . 6.4
13. For a secondary calibration system per
ASTM E 1106, the following two things
must be demonstrated
a. that no couplant is required for
mounting the device being calibrated
and that no mechanical loading is
required to couple the device to the
transfer block
b. at least three sensors produce
repeatable results and at least one
sensor demonstrates that the
secondary calibration is in agreement
with the primary calibration
c. a and b
d. at least two sensors produce repeatable
results and one sensor demonstrates
that the secondary calibration is in
agreement with the primary
calibration
M.Para. 9.1
14. During continuous monitoring of pressure
boundaries, stable flaw growth is indicated
by:
a. steady detection of loeatable events
b. a linear increase in the events versus
time for a given event cluster
c. an exponential change in the events
versus time for a given event cluster
d . a variable increase or decrease in
events versus time for a given event
cluster
L.Para. 12.1.2
BZT P9T egi QtzT PET
Level III Questions - Acoustic Emission Testing Method 15
.
15 How is the dynamic range ( DR ) in an AE
system’s electronics determined?
a. DR = 20 log10 (signal overload point
voltage/ background noise voltage)
b. DR = 20 log10 ( test threshold setting/
background noise voltage)
c. DR = 20 log10 ( amplitude of a pencil
lead break / minimum threshold
allowed by background noise )
d . DR = 20 log10 ( maximum test signal
amplitude/ threshold setting )
H.Para. 5.4.2
16. Where is a system’s noise voltage
( rms-noise voltage ) measured?
a . at the AE sensor output
b. across the AE sensor- preamplifier
cable, unless an integral sensor is used
c. at the system input for the preamplifier
noise and at the preamplifier input for
AE sensor noise
d. at the preamplifier output when the
noise to the preamplifier is to be
characterized , at the system amplifier
output if the entire system noise is to
be characterized
H.Para. 5.4.3
17. In using pencil lead breaks to generate AE
signals, which of the following is NOT a
recommendation to keep the sources as
repeatable as possible?
a. only 0.3 mm ( 0.01 in.) diameter lead
shall be used
b. the distance of the pencil lead break
from the sensor should be at least
10 cm ( 3.9 in.)
c. always use as close as possible the same
spot on the test object and the same
angle of pencil lead to test object
d . use the same length of lead on each
break
I.Para. 4.3.3
16 Supplement to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A (Q&A Book ): Acoustic Emission Testing Method

18. What properties of an ultrasonic

1
transducer are preferred when using it to ƒ
check the reproducibility of an AE sensor?

a. the transducer is heavily damped to

have a broad frequency response and it
should have a center frequency below
the frequencies of the sensors to be
characterized
b. the transducer should be highly
resonant to produce a very large AE
signal and it should have a center
frequency below the frequencies of the
sensor to be characterized
c. the transducer is heavily damped to
have a broad frequency response and it
should have a center frequency in the
range of 2.25 to 5.0 MHz range
d . the transducer should be highly
resonant to produce a very large AE
signal and it should have a center
frequency in the range of 2.25 to
5.0 MHz range
I . Para . 4.3.1

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