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

aircraft An aircraft ( aircraft) is a vehicle that is able to flight, fly by gaining support from the Atmosphere of Earth, air. It counters the force of gravity by using either Buoyancy, static lift or the Lift (force), dynamic lift of an airfoil, or, i ...

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 army aviati ...

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 () is a material that, when polished or fractured, shows a lustrous appearance, and conducts electrical resistivity and conductivity, electricity and thermal conductivity, heat relatively well. These properties are all associated wit ...

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