Phillip Cole completed his Degree in Physics and Electronic Engineering at Loughborough in 1974. As a result of his industrial placement and early career as a research scientist at TI Research Cambridge UK he made his career in Non-Destructive Testing applications and systems development.

First years were spent in a wide range of NDT applications including the first industrial deployment of ultrasonic EMATS to steel and tube production lines in TI Group companies. By moving to Dunegan Endevco he then became involved in acoustic emission and vibration applications, and in 1983 started and became Managing Director of Dunegan UK, which became a subsidiary of Physical Acoustics Corporation in 1986. Following the acquisition of NDT service companies Physical Acoustics Corporation became Mistras Group Inc. and is now a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE ticker “MG”). His current Group position is Executive Vice President, Mistras International, one of the three Mistras operating divisions. Throughout his career, in addition to management and financial responsibilities, he has engaged in a wide range of activities involving research, applications development, education and training. University project partners include the University of Wales, Cardiff, and CICE Loughborough University. His many years of technical experience in AE and UT include applications on an enormous range of materials and structures including bridges, offshore platforms, metal and composite pressure vessels, valves, storage tanks, and aerospace structures. Application developments under his direction have included:

Phillip Cole has more than 50 papers; electromagnetic generation and reception of ultrasound, acoustic emission and ultrasonic applications in the laboratory, industry, (oil and gas, steel, conventional and nuclear power, aerospace, civil, and medical), applied to valves, tanks, pressure vessels, and bridges. He is an Honorary Visiting Professor, Cardiff University, School of Engineering.

Abstract

ACOUSTIC EMISSION and its NDT APPLICATIONS

Acoustic emission (AE) is used today in a wide range of NDT applications. A number of codes cover its use for the testing of new and in-service process equipment, and continuous monitoring of structures and process plant using AE is becoming increasingly common practice. This presentation covers the basic principles of the method, advantages and limitations, current codes, standards, and recommended practices for the testing of metal and composite vessels, in addition to a number of common and advanced applications including bridges, aerial lifts, slow moving bearings, gas cylinders, railcars, tanks, and valves.