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 Fuels Performance Evaluations
The Fuels Performance Evaluations
Section in the Fuels and Lubricants Research Division evaluates the
durability, design, and performance of all types of automotive products. A major activity
involves the evaluation of gasolines and gasoline additives for their effects throughout
the fuel, induction, combustion, and exhaust systems. Deposit formation and its effects on
emissions, driveability, octane requirement, fuel economy, and vehicle performance are
routinely investigated. Vehicles are operated on public roadways, mileage
accumulation dynamometers, or test tracks to provide a large variety of driving patterns
and conditions. Temperature effects can be evaluated down to -28 degrees C in a large
cold-room. The durability and performance of alternative-fueled vehicles are evaluated,
such as compressed natural gas (CNG), methanol, and LPG. Other activities include
competitive vehicle analysis, mobile data acquisition, development and refinement of test
methods, investigation of component durability, and performance.
Mileage Accumulation Dynamometers
SwRI has 20 mileage accumulation dynamometers
available that can accurately and consistently load and drive vehicles so that
comparison tests can easily be conducted without dynamometer or driver
variability. Vehicles on the mileage accumulation dynamometers are run at speeds
up to 100 miles per hour. This state-of-the-art facility provides rapid,
cost-effective vehicle testing for cars or light trucks. These dynamometers can
simulate normal road use of more than 2,000 miles per day. With 500 horsepower,
SwRI’s dynamometers can also accommodate high-performance muscle cars at speeds
up to 100 miles per hour.
Fuel Blending Facility
A 6,000-square foot fuel blending facility provides specialized blending of automotive
fuels and temperature controlled storage of fuel and fuel additives. Fuel blending is
performed in seven stainless steel tanks, six of which have 600-gallon capacities while
the seventh has an 1,100-gallon capacity. Various blends of fuels and fuel additives can
be performed, on a volumetric basis, including gasoline, diesel, ethanol, and methanol.
The facility has a temperature-controlled room for storage of up to ninety-six 55-gallon
drums. Temperature-controlled fuel additive storage and measurement rooms are combined in
the facility.
Brent Shoffner,
Manager
Technical strengths and contacts in the section include:
Fuels and Driveline Lubricants Research Department
Fuels and Lubricants Research Division
SwRI Technical Divisions
 SwRI Home
May 17, 2012
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