The Use of Surface Layer Activation Wear Monitoring for Filter Design and Evaluation

The surface layer activation technique of wear monitoring was used to evaluate the performance of alternative filter materials and to establish parameters useful for future filter design. Nine engine components were monitored for wear, in situ, during engine tests in which particulate dust was added to the lubrication system. The tests demonstrated that different engine components have (1) differing wear reduction factors upon filtration and (2) wear sensitivities which are a function of particle size. The measured sensitivity functions result in different protection factors for alternative filter media which depend on the engine component being studied.