The Application of Thin-Layer Chromatography to Birdstrike Investigations.
Abstract
The frequency and severity of birdstrikes on aircraft has greatly increased with the widespread use of turbojets in military and civilian aircraft. The engine suffers the most damage when aircraft encounter birds, or bats, during take-offs and landings. Many times, the cause of engine failure is listed as undetermined because no specific methods have existed to differentiate between mechanical problems and failure due to animal ingestion. A biochemical technique has been applied to solve this dilemma, whereby turbojet engines may be scraped and analyzed for protein. If protein is present it is assumed the source was animal, viz. bird or bat. The procedure consists of using the separation capabilities of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) to analyze for the presence of amino acids in the engine scrapings; amino acids are the subunits of protein. The theoretical aspects and general techniques of TLC are discussed including an evaluation of apparatuses used for sample hydrolysis, and chambers and sorbents used for chromatography. Also, possible interference from protein-based fire fighting foam is considered and the experimental results are evaluated. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0755963
Entities
People
- Peter R. Spinney