SwRI: Fuel Systems and Contamination Research, Lubricity, Friction, and Wear

  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.

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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.