Magnetic chip detectors are installed in the scavenge oil lines of aircraft reduction gearboxes to monitor mechanical wear. As engine oil circulates, the magnetized core captures ferrous metal particles shed by degrading gears or bearings. When accumulated metal fragments bridge the gap between the central magnetic pole and the grounded housing, an electrical circuit completes, illuminating a caution annunciator in the cockpit. Modern dual-gap detectors incorporate a continuous self-diagnostic circuit to differentiate between fine metallic fuzz from normal wear and large spalled flakes that indicate imminent component failure.
According to the passage, what directly causes the cockpit caution annunciator to illuminate?
- AThe continuous self-diagnostic circuit detecting fine metallic fuzz from normal wear
- Accumulated metal fragments bridging the gap between the magnetic pole and the housingAnswer
- CThe cockpit annunciator sending an electrical current to energize the magnetized core
- DExcessive oil temperature in the scavenge line triggering a thermal sensor
Answer
Accumulated metal fragments bridging the gap between the magnetic pole and the housing
The text explicitly states that when accumulated metal fragments bridge the gap between the central magnetic pole and the grounded housing, an electrical circuit is completed, which directly illuminates the caution annunciator in the cockpit.
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Direct Fact Retrieval
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