MS Thesis Presentation by Siarhei G. Tsiareshka
Monday, June 6, 2005

(Dr. Steven Danulyk, Chair)

"Vibrating CPD Chemical Degradation Oil Sensor"

Abstract

Oil analysis is a broad field comprised of hundreds of individual tests that provide meaningful benefit by assessing one or more properties of lubricants or machines. Many tests are performed on new types of oil during research and development. The lubricant's chemical, physical, or lubricating properties are validated for quality control purposes and product performance classification. Much of the research in this area is devoted to the online oil degradation systems which allow getting a prompt response about the condition of lubricant.

This thesis investigates the concept for monitoring oil degradation with a vibrating Kelvin probe technique. The Vibrating Kelvin probe method for measuring the work function of metals has been used since 1932. Among the applications of this technique are adsorption, corrosion, friction and other studies. A novel application of this method is proposed in this thesis. The vibrating Kelvin system was created with one static surface acting as a sampling surface and the other one electrically isolated. The interaction of the oil with one of the surfaces of a capacitor results in a signal which is synchronously measured. The oil molecules adsorb on the surface of one of the plates and form a space charge layer which changes the work function of that surface. Oil prepared by intentional oxidation was used to evaluate and to monitor the ability to see changes in oil.