Lubricant Condition and Wear Metal Analysis Sensor System (LUCAS)

Impact Technologies, in close collaboration with GasTOPS, Inc. and with the support of Boeing Rotorcraft Division and Sikorsky, proposes to develop a miniaturized, integrated, on-line sensing solution for detection of lubricant quality, metal wear debris and analysis of debris elemental composition for Army rotorcraft. The airworthy multi-sensor device created in this program will serve as a direct replacement for legacy chip detectors currently employed to detect metal particles in aircraft lubrication systems. The developed integrated LUCAS sensing technology will utilize mature technologies to: (1) detect and identify the source of wear debris, and (2) detect and classify numerous lubrication quality factors such as incorrect oil, water content, oil degradation, and fuel dilution that are life-limiting to oil-wetted components. The Phase II development will include merging and miniaturization of Impact’s electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technology with GasTOPS’ proven metal debris sensing and analysis technologies that includes “at-line” energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) elemental analysis system. By the end of Phase II, the integrated, low-weight system will be evaluated and demonstrated in a realistic aircraft-style gearbox test rig.