Spatial propagation characteristics of acoustic emission signals in parallel steel wire cables

Accurate spatial propagation characteristics facilitate damage spatial localization, which is crucial for assessing the condition of parallel steel wire cables (PSWC). Existing studies have focused on the longitudinal propagation of acoustic emission (AE) signals, limiting accurate spatial damage assessment. This study comprehensively explored the spatial propagation characteristics of AE signals in PSWC using finite elements and attenuation tests. AE signals propagate hexagonally on the transverse section, with different amplitude attenuation rates at different angles-8% at 0 degrees and 60 degrees, 5 % at 30 degrees and 45 degrees. Additionally, AE signals exhibit oscillatory propagation between different wires in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal speed (5706 m/s) is approximately 4.2 times faster than the transverse speed (1371 m/s), and the propagation path can be simplified as longitudinal and then transverse, offering valuable guidance for damage localization. The optimum frequency is 150 kHz in the transverse direction and 30 kHz in the longitudinal direction.