Detection of acoustic emission in cutting processes by fibre optic interferometry

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Abstract
Acoustic emission has previously been shown to be a useful technique in monitoring the state of wear in machine tools. The piezoelectric transducers conventionally used for acoustic emission detection are contacting devices with a limited bandwidth. Operationally, a non-contacting transducer of broader bandwidth would be preferred. The authors have accordingly developed a technique based on optical interferometry, using fibre optics, to produce a miniature and robust probe for detecting acoustic emission by measuring the small amplitude ( approximately 0.1 nm), high frequency (0.1-1 MHz) surface vibrations that it produces. They demonstrate the technique in measurements made probing both the workpiece and the rotating tool holder during face milling of mild steel.