Lubricant Condition and Metal Analysis Sensor System (LUCAS)

Impact Technologies, in cooperation with GasTOPS Inc., proposes a miniaturized, integrated, on-line sensing solution for detection of lubricant quality, metal wear debris and debris elemental analysis. The 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. Key tasks of this Phase I effort include: 1) feasibility studies to enable technologies for on-line small scale wear metal elemental analysis; 2) miniaturization (MEMS) and adaptation of Impact’s broadband electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technology for lubricant quality monitoring; 3) conceptual design of a small-scale sensor for application to chip detector ports that integrates wear particle quantification and oil quality detection; and 4) Design and fabrication of macro level prototypes of each of the sensing technologies identified for inclusion. A prototype system will be created and the technology developed will be demonstrated to Army personnel and other stakeholders at the end of this Phase I program.