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Simulated 'On-Line' Wear Metal Analysis of Lubricating Oils by X-Ray Fluorescence SpectroscopyThe objective of this project was to assess the sensitivity of X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XFS) for quantitative evaluation of metal particle content in engine oil suspensions and the feasibility of real-time, dynamic wear metal analysis. The study was focused on iron as the majority wear metal component. Variable parameters were: particle size, particle concentration and oil velocity. A commercial XFS spectrometer equipped with interchangeable static/dynamic (flow cell) sample chambers was used. XFS spectra were recorded for solutions of Fe-organometallic standard and for a series of DTE oil suspensions of high purity spherical iron particles of 2g, 4g, and 8g diameter, at concentrations from 5 ppm to 5,000 ppm. Real contaminated oil samples from Langley Air Force Base aircraft engines and NASA Langley Research Center wind tunnels were also analyzed. The experimental data conform the reliability of XFS as the analytical method of choice for this project. Intrinsic inadequacies of the instrument for precise analytic work at low metal concentrations were identified as being related to the particular x-ray beam definition, system geometry, and flow-cell materials selection. This work supports a proposal for the design, construction and testing of a conceptually new, miniature XFS spectrometer with superior performance, dedicated to on-line, real-time monitoring of lubricating oils in operating engines. Innovative design solutions include focalization of the incident x-ray beam, non-metal sample chamber, and miniaturization of the overall assembly. The instrument would contribute to prevention of catastrophic engine failures. A proposal for two-year funding has been presented to NASA Langley Research Center Internal Operation Group (IOG) Management, to continue the effort begun by this summer's project.
Document ID
19970025366
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kelliher, Warren C.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Partos, Richard D.
(Old Dominion Univ. Norfolk, VA United States)
Nelson, Irina
(Salt Lake Community Coll. United States)
Date Acquired
August 17, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1996
Publication Information
Publication: 1996 NASA-Hampton University American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Summer Faculty Fellowship Program
Subject Category
Inorganic And Physical Chemistry
Accession Number
97N24920
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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