AIRCRAFT HYDRAULIC PUMP CONDITION MONITORING SYSTEM

We propose to develop a device that monitors aircraft hydraulic pumps. This device will use two key sensor technologies: vibration measurements on the pump housing and electromagnetic sensing of pump debris particles. Signals from these sensors are fed into a micro-computer. Two signal processing strategies will be employed: traditional measurement of the signal characteristics, and a neural net analysis of the signal. The processing will indicate the onset, and severity, of the pump failure. Thus, pumps can be removed before they fail in flight, or generate excessive debris that contaminates other mechanical devices on the hydraulic line. These sensor technologies are non-invasive and non-destructive.