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F-16 Emergency Power Unit (EPU)
Drive Contamination Study

Period of Performance:  May 2001 - April 2002

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Principal Investigator: Kevin Roach
University of Dayton Research Institute
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-0110
Phone: 937-229-3009
Email: roach@udri.udayton.edu


The F-16 aircraft utilizes an Emergency Power Unit (EPU) to generate electric and hydraulic power.  The EPU is used to maintain aircraft control in the event of failure of the main electrical system generator, failure of the main hydraulic system pumps, or F-16 loss of engine power.  The EPU is powered by hydrazine, which decomposes into hot gases as it passes across a catalyst bed, and/or engine bleed air (if available).  The hot gas and/or bleed air is directed through a turbine, which drives the emergency hydraulic pump and generator through a gearbox.

The F-16 EPU has been susceptible to contamination by both liquid and solid contaminants.  Integrity of the EPU has been compromised in some cases due to the liquid contamination reducing the effectiveness of the hydrazine/catalyst reaction, and due to wear and premature failure of pressure regulator valves.

UDRI is conducting a feasibility study to define and evaluate potential solutions to the F-16 EPU contamination problem.  The objectives of the study include identification/verification of contamination sources, development of hardware and/or procedural solution concepts, and development of a preliminary assessment of the logistical impact of the contamination problem.

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This website is maintained by: Gloria Hardy
Last Update: July 25, 2003