Abstract

<jats:p>The application of acoustic emission monitoring of periodic proof tests to the detection of structural degradation of pressure vessels is demonstrated. Test results of welded steel and aluminum vessels are presented which show that structural degradation and impending failure due to fatigue crack growth can be detected by this technique. Subcritical crack growth due to stress corrosion or hydrogen embrittlement could be detected with equal ease. Hence, emission monitoring of a periodic proof test can provide a powerful tool for the verification of the structural integrity of pressure vessels, as well as a wide variety of other structures.</jats:p>