Use of Acoustic Emission to Evaluate Residual Strength in FRP Pipes after Impact Damage

Acoustic Emission (AE) has proven to be a useful tool in the monitoring of fiberglass pressure vessels. The ASME Piping and Pressure Vessel Code (subsection X) implements AE as an approved method for quality control and in service testing of fiberglass pressure vessels, making it an accepted technique for the evaluation of fiber composite structures. This article presents the result of AE monitoring of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) pipes after impact damage has incurred. The results from these tests indicate that AE can be used as a tool to predict the level of damage incurred in the pipes after impact and during pressurization. The use of the Felicity Ratio as the benchmark for evaluation is presented as the key evaluating value.