Application of atomic emission spectrometry in aviation piston engine abnormal wear prevention

Abstract

The measurement of wear metals concentration in used lubricating oil can be used to determine whether an engine is approaching failure, allowing further damage to be avoided. In this paper the application of inductively coupled plasma- atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) technique in prevention of abnormal wear of aviation piston engines is explained. Used oil samples taken from two different engines are analyzed in respect with the wear metals concentration using ICP-OES. Concentration level for each metal is plotted against time of flight and its changes are observed. It is shown that low metals levels and small concentrations changes are connected with the well lubricated surfaces, while sudden concentration increase is an indication of where beginning. Factors affecting the wear quantification are also summarized.

Keywords

• aviation engine
• piston engine
• wear
• engine oil
• atomic emission spectrometry