Fuels and Lubricants Technology Department

Steve Marty, Director (210) 522-5929

Gary Bessee, Manager (210) 522-6941
Filtration, Logistics, and Fluids Research

Ed Frame, Manager (210) 522-2515
Fuels, Lubricants and Fluids Applications

The Fuels and Lubricants Technology Department provides a range of nonroutine testing and evaluation services focused on the performance of transportation-related fluids. Projects typically examine the characteristics and performance of the fuels, engine, power transmission and gear lubricants, and hydraulic fluids used in land-based vehicles. A major facility within the department is devoted to gas turbine engine fuels and combustion. Programs conducted for both commercial and government clients include product development support, problem investigation services, and field trouble-shooting.

The Fuels and Lubricants Technology Department also operates the U.S. Army TARDEC Fuels and Lubricants Research Facility, an extension of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center in Warren, Michigan. Since 1957, this government-owned, contractor-operated facility physically located on the grounds of Southwest Research Institute, has provided fuel and lubricant research services to the Army, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and other government agencies.

Filtration, Logistics, and Fluids Research

The Filtration, Logistics, and Fluids Research Section performs a wide variety of research in the Fuels and Lubricants Technology Department. The technical strengths of the group include fluid mechanics, heat transfer, sensor development, liquid filtration, contamination control and identification, fuel and water logistics, chemometric methods of analysis, and test methods development.

Technical strengths and contracts include:

  • Heat Transfer and Process Equipment
  • Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Systems
  • Fluid Filtration and Cleanliness
  • Fuel Logistics
  • Advanced Methods of Fuel Property Measurement
  • Chemometric Methods of Analysis
  • Sensors and Instrumentation Development
  • Particle Counting
  • Fuels Filtration
  • Lubrication Filtration
  • Soot Contamination
  • Debris Analysis
  • Test Method Development
  • Field Service

Fuels, Lubricants, and Fluids Applications

The Fuels, Lubricants, and Fluids Applications Group in the Fuels and Lubricants Technology Department performs a wide variety of fuel, lubricant, and engine and fuel system investigations for the Department of Defense, government agencies, and commercial clients.

Technical strengths and contracts include:

  • Investigations of Fuel/Lubricant/Engine Interactions, Exhaust Emissions
  • Fuel and Fluid Flammability Hazard Assessments
  • Alternative Fuels Development and Utilization
  • Fuel Injection System Wear and Performance
  • Jet Fuel Use in Diesel Equipment
  • Tribology, Engine Dynamometer Evaluations
  • Bench Test Development, Fuel System Materials Compatibility
  • Field Evaluations
  • Fuels/Hardware Interactions and Test Rig Design

Technical Services Brochure