Acoustic Emission

Acoustic Emission and Sensor Array Optimization

Introduction

Welcome to the Acoustic Emission research page. Here, we provide insights into sensor array optimization for laboratory acoustic emission experiments. Our methodologies aim to enhance sensor placement for improved monitoring accuracy. If you utilize SeisCloud (https://seis.cloud) or our code, we appreciate your citation:

Ding, L., Yang, G., Kravchinsky, E. et al. Quantitative Optimization of Sensor Positions in Laboratory Acoustic Emission Experiments. Rock Mech Rock Eng (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-025-04605-6

Visualizing Sensor Arrays

The visualization below illustrates an optimized sensor array with 18 sensors placed on a sample block. Smaller cubes indicate original sensor positions, while larger cubes mark the optimized array positions.

Generating Sensor Arrays

⚠️ Notice (Deprecation)
As of 1st March 2026, the previous method for requesting sensor arrays directly from the SeisCloud server has been deprecated and is no longer maintained.

All new requests for sensor arrays should be sent via email:
📧 [email protected]

## Requesting Sensor Arrays from SeisCloud

### Through URL Requests
SeisCloud provides sensor positions for both block and cylindrical samples. Use the following URLs to download CSV files:

- Cylindrical Sample (20 sensors, radius = 50 mm, height = 100 mm)
https://db.seis.cloud/aecylinders?nsensor=20&radius=50&height=100

- Block Sample (20 sensors, two vertices at [-32.5, -32.5, -65] and [32.5, 32.5, 65])
https://db.seis.cloud/aeblocks?nsensor=20&p1x=-32.5&p1y=-32.5&p1z=-65&p2x=32.5&p2y=32.5&p2z=65

### Using Python Script
For programmatic access, use our Python library:

from DArrays.AEDesigner import Designer

# Initialize an instance to request sensor arrays from SeisCloud
designer = Designer()

#### Request Sensor Locations for a Block Sample
saving_filepath = “sensor_block_n20.csv”
designer.get_sensors_on_blocks(nsensor=20, p1x=-32.5, p1y=-32.5, p1z=-65,
p2x=32.5, p2y=32.5, p2z=65, saving_filepath=saving_filepath)

#### Request Sensor Locations for a Cylindrical Sample
saving_filepath = “sensor_cylinder_n20.csv”
designer.get_sensors_on_cylinders(nsensor=20, radius=50, height=100,
saving_filepath=saving_filepath)

Please contact us directly by email with the following information:

  • Sample type (block or cylindrical)
  • Number of sensors
  • Geometric parameters (dimensions, vertices, radius, height, etc.)
  • Desired output format (e.g., CSV)

📧 [email protected]

We will process the request and provide the sensor array configuration accordingly.

Non-Uniqueness in Moment Tensor Inversion for AE Monitoring

The moment tensor inversion (MTI) method, based on first polarity, suffers from inherent non-uniqueness due to sparse sensor arrays. Our research quantifies this uncertainty and evaluates sensor array reliability.

Ding, L., Yang, G., Kravchinsky, E., Popoola, A. K., Goodfellow, S., Liu, Q., & Grasselli, G. (2023). Systematic Uncertainty Quantification of First-Polarity-Based Moment Tensor Inversion Due to Sparse Coverage of Sensor Arrays in Laboratory Acoustic Emission Monitoring. Pure and Applied Geophysics. DOI

Moment Tensor Inversion Uncertainty

  • Left: Source type classification from MTI solutions.
  • Right: Uncertainty distribution for various sensor arrays.

Data Processing in Acoustic Emission Monitoring

We employ advanced data processing techniques to investigate rock failure mechanisms. Our workflow includes:

  • Event Detection
  • Source Localization
  • Focal Mechanism Inversion
  • Velocity Survey & Traveltime Tomography

Data Processing Workflow

Future Enhancements

We are continuously improving SeisCloud. Expect new features soon, including:

  • 3D Waveform Simulation
  • Advanced Source Localization Methods
  • Refined Moment Tensor Inversion Techniques
  • Enhanced Velocity Survey & Traveltime Tomography

Stay tuned for upcoming developments!

Thank you for your interest in SeisCloud and acoustic emission research!

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