Lubricant Evaluation and Performance
The Lubricant Evaluation and Performance group, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s Propulsion Directorate, conducts research primarily in two areas: the evaluation and performance of current and advanced gas turbine engine lubricants for higher temperature applications; and the development of improved off-line and in-line diagnostic sensors for solving wear and oil contamination problems.
Although this group is located at WPAFB, testing facilities are available at UDRI on campus where research on lubricant performance and diagnostics can be done for industrial customers.
Monitoring the Condition of Lubrication Systems
Improved prognostic/diagnostic technology for monitoring mechanical system health is becoming increasingly important. We have developed sensor technologies for in-line and bench-top monitoring of oil condition, and sensors that can detect lubricant deposition and contamination of oil.
Contaminants that can be detected include:
- Water
- Fuel
- Dirt
- Wear metals
Degradation products that can be measured include:
- Carbonaceous material
- Acidic and basic species
- Viscosity increase
- Foaming characteristics
New lubricating oils are evaluated for performance using standard test methods, such as:
- Oxidation and corrosion methods (min and full scale)
- Static and dynamic coking
- Foaming
- Confined heat
Methods we have developed or employed to improve oil analysis for particle size detection include:
To learn more about our capabilities in lubricant evaluation and performance, please contact group leader Dr. Peter John.