This section provides an overview for ae sensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 10 ae sensor manufacturers and their company rankings.
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An AE sensor is a type of vibration sensor that detects a specific vibration (AE wave).
AE stands for Acoustic Emission, a phenomenon in which acoustic waves are emitted as elastic waves when a part of an object is deformed or damaged, or when a shock is applied. An AE sensor is used to detect this phenomenon.
AE waves are generated by minute degradation that occurs long before an object is completely damaged. An AE sensor is used for predictive maintenance of industrial facilities and quality control of products by taking advantage of this feature.
AE sensors are used for various applications such as product quality control and safety control. There are two types of AE sensors: narrow-band type, which reacts strongly in a specific narrow frequency band, and wide-band type, which reacts in a wide frequency band, depending on the application.
Narrow-band AE sensors are used in applications such as predictive maintenance of motor deterioration and detection of defects in metal welding such as pipes. Narrow-band AE sensors do not react to vibrations from normally operating motors or welding, but can detect AE waves that are generated only when an abnormality occurs.
Wide-band AE sensors are used to detect foreign objects inside products and to detect signs of landslides in the ground. The broadband AE sensors can be used to detect minute fragments of solder falling from a unit board inside a product or minute vibrations that may be a precursor to a landslide.
The AE sensors use special piezoelectric elements to detect AE waves. The piezoelectric elements typically used are lithium niobate, lead niobate, and lead zirconate titanate (PZT). These elements are characterized by the fact that an electric charge is generated when pressure is applied. Therefore, by bringing these piezoelectric elements into contact with a vibrating object, they can receive voltage from the piezoelectric element and function as a sensor.
In addition, these piezoelectric elements output voltage strongly when subjected to pressure from vibrations in the ultra-high frequency range (10 kHz to several MHz), such as AE waves, making it possible to detect only vibrations in a specific frequency band.
First, we will discuss the similarities of vibration acceleration sensors and AE sensors. The common point is that both receive power from a piezoelectric element and conduct electricity.
One difference is the suitable frequency range.
Vibration acceleration sensors are suitable for anomalies in the low frequency range of 5 to 20 kHz.
On the other hand, the AE sensors can detect early defects that occur in the early stages, and have been applied to low-speed rotating bearings that are difficult to diagnose with a vibration sensor. This is because AE sensors can capture acoustic emissions, which are energy waves generated by breakdowns at the micro level.
Acoustic emissions are similar to ripples on the surface of water. When metals come into contact with each other, acoustic emissions propagate through the metal surfaces of the equipment, making diagnosis possible by capturing these acoustic emissions.
Since acoustic emissions are generated even from small scratches and friction, AE sensors can be used in a wide variety of equipment to detect problems at an early stage.
When installing AE sensors, the location of the sensor is important. If the AE sensor can be mounted directly on the object to be detected, it has the best detection sensitivity.
On the other hand, where the AE sensors cannot be directly attached to the target, they must be installed as close as possible to the target for accurate detection, and an acoustic path must be formed between the target and the AE sensors. A similar material must be applied to the surface of the detection target to make it adhere, and the acoustic emissions generated are detected.
Since acoustic emissions have a high frequency and are difficult to propagate in air, it is important that the AE sensors be placed in close contact with the object to be detected. Therefore, it is important to install AE sensors in close proximity to the object to be detected. It is important to install AE sensors after thorough verification using prototypes.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Founded in Switzerland, Kistler serves both public and private customers in the automotive, aerospace, maritime, transportation, medical, semiconductor, energy and life sciences industries. Products include sensors as well as connectivity, signal, and data acquisition devices as well as software solutions. Applications of these solutions include R&D to safety testing, and condition monitoring. Key technologies include dynamic pressure, force, torque and acceleration measurement technologies.
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