Acoustic emission (AE) sensors have been fabricated using both soft- and hard-type lead-free (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3-based ceramics. The acoustic and electromechanical properties of the ceramics have been determined using the resonance technique. The lead-free AE sensors were calibrated using a laser source and compared to a commercial sensor. A lead zirconate titanate (PZT) 5H ceramics AE sensor has also been fabricated and calibrated for comparison. It was found that the sensitivity of lead-free AE sensors is comparable to that of the lead-based PZT sensor. To evaluate the sensors for potential application, they have been used in the detection of AE in an impact test. The lead-free sensors can reproduce AE signals accurately without giving artifacts and have potential use in commercial AE systems.

Topics
Piezoelectric ceramics, Ferromagnetism, Surface collisions, Electromechanical coupling coefficient, Acoustic phenomena, Amplifiers, Materials, Chemical elements, Transition metal oxides, Chemical compounds
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