Acoustic Emission data acquisition can be affected by numerous factors associated with the electronic instrumentation, cables, sensors, sensor holders, couplant, the examination article on which the sensor is mounted, background noise, and the user's settings of the acquisition parameters (for example, threshold).

This guide is not intended to replace annual (or semi-annual) instrumentation calibration (see Practice E750) or sensor recertification (see Practice E1781).

This guide is not intended to replace routine electronic evaluation of AE instrumentation or routine sensitivity verification of AE sensors (see Guide E976).

This guide is not intended to verify the maximum processing capacity or speed of an AE system.

This guide does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.1 System performance verification methods launch stress waves into the examination article on which the sensor is mounted. The resulting stress wave travels in the examination article and is detected by the sensor(s) in a manner similar to acoustic emission.

1.2 This guide describes methods which can be used to verify the response of an Acoustic Emission system including sensors, couplant, sensor mounting devices, cables and system electronic components.

1.3 Acoustic emission system performance characteristics, which may be evaluated using this document, include some waveform parameters, and source location accuracy.

1.4 Performance verification is usually conducted prior to beginning the examination.

1.5 Performance verification can be conducted during the examination if there is any suspicion that the system performance may have changed.

1.6 Performance verification may be conducted after the examination has been completed.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.