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 Specialty and Driveline Fluids Evaluations
The Specialty and Driveline Fluids Evaluations Section in the
Fuels and Lubricants Research Division conducts standardized and specialized
test programs on specialty fluids (gear oils, tractor hydraulic fluids, and industrial
hydraulic fluids). Test programs are also conducted on the components that utilize these
fluids.
The section conducts key tests in the following lubricant
performance specifications or OEM fluid requirements. Gear oils: GL-4, GL-5, MT-1, and
MIL-PRF-2105E. Tractor hydraulic fluids: John Deere, Massey-Ferguson, and New Holland.
Industrial hydraulic fluids: Eaton, Denison, Komatsu, Vickers, and Rexroth.
In addition to conducting the standardized tests for lubricant
performance specifications, the section also offers specialized test programs to evaluate
the fluid or lubricated components. Examples of this type of testing include a universal
hydraulic pump test stand which uses a 200 hp variable speed drive, computerized data
acquisition and control system, and specialized sensors that can measure in-line fluid
density, mass flow, and drive torque.
Standardized evaluations, specialized evaluations, and
qualification tests on automatic transmission fluids, heavy-duty automatic transmission
fluids, and drivetrain fluids are also conducted. Specifications include General Motors
DEXRON-III®, Ford Motor Company MERCON® and MERCON V®, General Motors Allison
Transmission Division
C-4, Allison TES 295, Allison TES 389, and Caterpillar TO-4.
An example of our tractor testing capability is our tractor
axle dynamometer. This dynamometer was designed for testing agricultural or industrial
tractors under controlled conditions. The dynamometer easily adjusts to accommodate
different makes and models of tractors. The maximum torque load that can be applied is in
excess of 66,656 lbs-ft (90,379 Nm). The torque is controlled independently for each wheel
by a microprocessor-based process controller. Data acquisition is also available. This
equipment has been used successfully to perform drive train endurance and clutch life
tests.
SwRI has an axle efficiency test stand that measures
overall axle efficiency according to industry-recognized test procedures. A
typical efficiency test will measure efficiency at different oil
temperatures, loads, and vehicle speeds. The test is useful for studying
the effect of improved gear lubricants and of improved axle designs.
Specialized test stands have been developed in order to support
development and product qualification testing of on and off-highway equipment. Typical
test set-ups are designed to evaluate transmissions, hydraulic system, clutches, and final
drives. Depending on the complexity and scope of the project, test stands can be completed
in weeks or even days.
When client needs dictate, the laboratory is staffed
24-hours-a-day, seven days a week by trained technicians who hourly monitor test
conditions and record critical parameters. SwRI technicians also diagnose and repair the
items under test, if the client so desires.
For tests conducted on and off site, the section offers
component rating services to assist clients in quantifying the durability, dependability,
and longevity of their products. Raters trained in the CRC rating methodology can provide
a rapid response to client needs for rating services, even when travel to remote locations
is needed. Some of the rating services available are on cars, trucks, buses, tractors,
earth-moving equipment, snowmobiles, boats, ships, locomotives, large machinery,
industrial service equipment, lawn and garden equipment, and specialized mechanical
applications.
J.
Matt Jackson,
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
January 05, 2009
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