Use of electrostatic technology for aero engine oil system monitoring

A significant reduction in aircraft operational costs will be achieved through prognostics and health management (PHM). Early or predictive fault diagnosis will be used to maximise aircraft availability by planning and undertaking maintenance only when it is needed. This requires reliable aircraft sub-system fault monitoring, from which comprehensive, early detection and tracking data can be obtained. A review of on-line oil system monitoring identified a number of gaps, which need to be filled before such capability can be achieved. Current technology is limited in terms of early detection and the impact of using materials such as ceramics should be considered. Two sensor systems are being developed to address present and future shortcomings in aero engine oil-system monitoring. The sensor systems have undergone a number of trials including gear and bearing rig tests and full scale engine work. This paper describes the technology performance during a recent Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) funded program.