SwRI: Fuel Systems and Contamination Research Contaminant Characterization

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

SwRI engineers evaluate changes in surface characteristics at critical boundaries as illustrated in these micrographs of a fuel injector tip. (Top: 250-hour test. Bottom: 750-hour test.)
  image of changes in surface characteristics at critical boundaries in micrographs of a fuel injector tip.

Contamination significantly affects the performance and durability and shortens service the life of:

  • Fuel components

  • Fuel systems

  • Air systems

  • Air components

  • Lubricant components

  • Lubricant systems

Other issues affected by contamination include:

  • Automotive safety

  • Vehicle performance

  • Warranty

Scientists and engineers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) use advanced analytical tools, testing techniques, and simulation methodologies to assess the contamination sensitivity of:

  • Fuel system components

  • Engine components

  • Powertrain components

  • Technical strengths include:

  • Functionality testing

  • Contamination sensitivity and durability testing

  • Contaminant chemical composition determination

  • Contaminant particle size evaluation

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

©1998-2009 Copyright Southwest Research Institute
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http://www.swri.org/4org/d03/vehsys/contres/contchar.htm?
Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,300 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.