Acoustic Emissions System

Signal Acquisition

• 8-channel AE instrument with all standard AE measurement features
• Full AE bandwidth response with sampling up to 10 MHz per channel
• 18-bit A/D conversion per channel for high-resolution signal capture
• 1.0 MHz signal bandwidth supporting a wide range of AE applications
• Continuous waveform streaming at up to 5 MSPS per channel to hard disk
• Two analog parametric inputs for correlating AE activity with process variables such as load
• AE hit data and waveforms recorded and accessed through AEwin control software

Connectivity & Power

• SuperSpeed USB Type-C interface (5 Gbps) ensuring compatibility with any modern PC or laptop
• Bus-powered directly from the host PC's USB port: no external power supply required
• Compatible with Windows 10 and newer operating systems

Sensor Compatibility

• Compatible with PAC Alpha series passive sensors
• Compatible with PK integral preamp sensors and IL-LP low-power preamplifiers
• Built-in preamplifier, configurable on/off in software

MR-GEO AE

• Comprehensive desktop analysis application for Acoustic Emission analysis in rock mechanics and geomechanical testing
• Consolidates data loading, processing, 3D event localization, fracture characterization, and geomechanical correlation into a single, easy-to-use platform
• Eliminates the need for multiple disconnected tools or custom scripts
• Runs as a Windows 10/11 desktop application with no external dependencies required

Nine-Step Workflow

• Read File: Import raw AE data files from industry-standard acquisition systems with automatic channel mapping
• Filter: Apply coincidence gating and amplitude/frequency filters to isolate meaningful AE events
• Cluster: Group AE hits using clustering algorithms to reduce raw hit counts to an analysis-ready dataset
• Localize: Triangulate AE event positions in 3D using TDOA, AIC waveform onset picking, Levenberg–Marquardt optimization, and weighted centroid methods
• Correlate: Synchronize AE data with geomechanical measurements including deviatoric stress, confining pressure, and axial strain
• CI/CD Detection: Automatically detect Crack Initiation (CI) and Crack Damage (CD) thresholds with user-adjustable sensitivity
• Visualize: Generate interactive browser-based 3D plots of event locations within the sample geometry, color-coded by time or sensor count
• Animate: Play back animated fracture propagation sequences with adjustable opacity for on-plane and off-plane events
• Export: Output publication-ready charts, fracture plane results, and session data

Core Capabilities

• Data Loading & Management: Waveform extraction, automatic channel mapping, and compressed session saving for fast reload of large datasets
• 3D Source Localization: Multiple triangulation methods with configurable wave velocity models and multi-sensor support
• Geomechanical Correlation: Time-series overlay of AE data with stress, pressure, and strain measurements
• Interactive 3D Visualization: Real-time Plotly-based 3D visualization with fracture plane overlay and animated event propagation
• English unit system throughout (psi, inches)

Target Users

• Rock mechanics testing laboratories
• Geotechnical and mining engineering teams
• Academic research groups
• Energy sector core testing facilities

Use Cases

• AE monitoring during triaxial, uniaxial, and HPHT core testing
• Fracture initiation and damage characterization under stress
• Acoustic emission source localization in 3D
• Crack Initiation (CI) and Crack Damage (CD) threshold identification
• Geomechanical correlation of AE events with stress and strain measurements
• Post-test analysis with animated fracture propagation playback

Electrical Safety

• Powered exclusively via USB port at 5V, <100 mA: no mains voltage is present within the unit
• Use only approved USB-C cables and connections to avoid risk of electrical hazard

Operating Environment

• Ensure the unit is used within the rated temperature range: 32°F – 115°F (0°C – 45°C)
• Do not expose to moisture, condensation, or corrosive environments

Software Control

• All channel configurations, preamplifier power, and alarm thresholds must be set via the controlling software before operation
• Verify all settings prior to each test session
• Failure to comply with operating guidelines may result in equipment damage or personal injury