Non-audible acoustic emission characterization of Reticulitermes termites in pine wood

Abstract

This research evaluates and characterizes the acoustic emission activity generated by Reticulitermes termites as recorded by piezoelectric sensors with sensitivity in the ultrasound range (greater than 20 kHz). To this end, the acoustic emission activity was recorded under controlled conditions of temperature and moisture content in three pine wood samples in which termites were artificially inoculated: only soldiers, only workers, or a colony of workers and soldiers. Different traditional parameters of the acoustic emission signals were analyzed, in both the time and frequency domains. This study proved feasible to use acoustic emission to detect the activity of this kind of termites, although it was not possible to distinguish between workers and soldiers. It is also demonstrated that, by using several sensors, one can locate the activity of the insects, a finding of great practical interest for the accurate detection of colonies in real buildings.

Multivariate Statistical and Correlation Analysis between Acoustic and Geotechnical Variables in Soil Compression Tests Monitored by the Acoustic Emission Technique

“…Acoustic emissions are sound signals generated naturally or artificially by a source from different physical or mechanical processes [1,2]. They are detected and analyzed using specific devices and techniques [3][4][5], providing valuable information about the source itself or its environment in numerous disciplines and applications, such as geophysics [6], medicine [7], biology and zoology [8], machinery monitoring and mechanical engineering [9,10], and nondestructive inspection [11], among others.…”