An analysis of oil sample data obtained from aircraft engines by spectrometry

Abstract

The spectrometric oil analysis program as applied to naval aviation was developed as a portion of the overall aviation safety program of the U. S. Navy. The equipment and techniques have been refined, and the program has been steadily expanded since its inception in 1955. The value of this system in determining densities of microscopic particles of certain oil-wetted wear metals in samples of oil extracted from aircraft engines has proved to be helpful in predicting incipient engine failure. In this study data relating to both reciprocating and jet engine models was analyzed in an attempt to determine which of the following elements provided significant information regarding the internal condition of the engine: aluminum, iron, chromium, silver, magnesium, nickel, copper, and silicon. Multiple and simple linear regression analyses and correlation techniques were applied in order to determine the mathematical model which corresponded most closely to the data compiled.