Lubricity, Friction, and Wear
Fuel Systems &
Contamination Research
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
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
