SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

image of changes in surface characteristics at critical boundaries in micrographs of a fuel injector tip.

Fuel Systems and Contamination Research

  

Accelerated Life Testing (Key-Life Testing)
 

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Contaminant Characterization

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  image of a contamination sensitivity evaluation
 

In this contamination sensitivity evaluation, staff members introduce controlled amounts of contaminant into the fuel delivery subsystem assemblies as they undergo severe laboratory testing.
 

image of results of a contamination sensitivity evaluation where controlled amounts of contaminant were introduced into the fuel delivery subsystem assemblies as they undergo severe laboratory testing
 

Results of severe laboratory testing

Fuel system and contamination research engineers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) work closely with industry to develop accelerated-life testing methods to determine the expected life of components and systems, particularly those subject to premature failure. In establishing accelerated-life testing programs, engineers may:

  • Use pre- and post-test boundary analyses to identify and evaluate critical parameters

  • Apply classical or modern accelerated-life assessment methodologies

  • Interrogate machine performance by introducing controlled contaminants

  • Evaluate component and systems design and construction to determine vulnerability

SwRI engineers have developed a series of fuel-system simulations representing 36,000 to 150,000 miles of vehicle operation.

 

For more information about fuel systems and contamination research and accelerated life testing (key-life testing) capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Xiaojian Tao, Ph.D., at xtao@swri.org or (210) 522-6962.
 

Contact Information

Xiaojian Tao, Ph.D.

Fuel Systems and Contamination Research

(210) 522-6962

xtao@swri.org

Related Terminology

contaminants

fuel components

fuel system components

powertrain components

air induction systems

lubricant systems

automotive safety

vehicle performance

contamination damage

fuel injectors

functionality testing

contamination sensitivity and durability testing

contaminant chemical composition determination

contaminant particle size evaluation

 

 

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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions.

November 03, 2009