What materials tell us: Detecting defects through sound

Microscopic cracks and invisible damage in materials are revealed by sound emissions - noises in the ultrasonic range that occur when the material is subjected to stress.

Our scientist Maria, from the Institute of Materials Science and Testing, is focusing on precisely these signals in her PhD research. The innovative research uses acoustic emission analysis to detect and understand mechanical damage in fiber-reinforced polymers. Every crack in the material produces an acoustic signature that is recorded and analyzed. These analyses allow conclusions to be drawn about the type and extent of the damage.
 

Maria is currently conducting research at the Politecnico di Milano: together with another doctoral student, she is working on classifying the recorded signals. The aim is to precisely distinguish between different damage mechanisms. To do this, state-of-the-art technologies such as cluster algorithms and artificial neural networks are used.

Maria, Professor Valter Carvelli, her supervisor at the Politecnico di Milano and her colleague in front of the main building of the University of Milan

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