Spectrometric Oil Analysis Program (SOAP) is a method used by

aircraft An aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air. It counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or in a few cases the downward thrust from jet engines ...

operators, including several

Air Force An air force – in the broadest sense – is the national military branch that primarily conducts aerial warfare. More specifically, it is the branch of a nation's armed services that is responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from an a ...

s of the World, to test the health of aircraft engines by performing frequent laboratory testing of the

engine oil Motor oil, engine oil, or engine lubricant is any one of various substances used for the lubrication of internal combustion engines. They typically consist of base oils enhanced with various additives, particularly antiwear additives, deter ...

. The tests reveal the chemical composition of any

metal A metal (from Greek μέταλλον ''métallon'', "mine, quarry, metal") is a material that, when freshly prepared, polished, or fractured, shows a lustrous appearance, and conducts electricity and heat relatively well. Metals are typicall ...

particles suspended in the oil samples. By comparing the results to the known chemical composition of various engine parts, abnormal wear of engine parts can be identified, and servicing of the engine can be initiated, thus sometimes avoiding further costly repairs or even catastrophic engine failure.

References

{{Reflist Aircraft maintenance