SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

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

Fuel Systems and Contamination Research

 

Lubricity, Friction, and Wear

 

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  image of SwRI's radioactive tracer technology, which is used to measure piston ring and connector rod wear in response to engine speed, load, and coolant temperature
 

SwRI engineers use radioactive tracer technology to measure piston ring and connector rod wear in response to engine speed, load, and coolant temperature.

Engines and other automotive components, especially air, fuel, and lubrication systems, are continually subjected to wear-causing environments. Because fuel has a low viscosity, the ability of a system to maintain engine lubricity to reduce friction and wear is important.


To measure friction and wear at critical components, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) offers a variety of services, including:

  • Fuel lubricity assessment

  • Commutator friction measurement

  • Wear measurement

  • Brush contact voltage drop testing

  • Surface wear measurement in real-time using radioactive tracer technologies

For more information about lubricity, friction, and wear 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

wear-causing environments

fuel system components

powertrain components

air induction systems

lubrication systems

engine lubricity

friction reduction

fuel injection system

fuel lubricity assessment

commutator friction measurement

wear measurement

brush contact voltage drop testing

real-time surface wear measurement

radioactive tracer technologies
 

| Fuels and Lubricants Technology Department | Fuels and Lubricants Research Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

August 05, 2008