Fuels and Driveline Lubricants Research Department

The  Fuels and Driveline Lubricants Research Department in the Fuels and Lubricants Research Division offers expertise in a variety of automotive-related research areas, including lubricant evaluations, fleet and field evaluations, fuels technology and product development, and specialty and driveline transmission fluids. Typical programs include evaluation of lubricants and additives, evaluation of fuel formulations and additives, durability and performance tests of prototype components, tire testing, port fuel injection testing, and evaluations of hydraulic fluids, as well as transmissions, rear axle oils, and agricultural and industrial tractor fluids. Twenty  mileage accumulation dynamometers offer around-the-clock mileage accumulation at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. A fuel and vehicle storage area with parking for more than 100 test vehicles accommodates 60,000 gallons of fuel in five underground vaults. On-site cold box facilities offer simulated cold-start conditions to test a variety of vehicle operating parameters, as well as the emissions produced by those vehicles. On-site and off-site testing tracks are available, with a staff of contract drivers also on call for specific fleet projects.

Michael D. Lochte, Director

• Fleet and Field Evaluations
• Fuel Performance Evaluations
• Specialty and Driveline Fluid Evaluations

Technical strengths include:

• ASTM D5598 Port Fuel Injector Deposit Procedure
• ASTM D6201 FordŽ 2.3-L Intake Valve Deposit Procedure
• Automatic Transmission Fluid Assessment
• Beijing Diesel Retrofit Pilot Program
• Fuel Economy Testing and Evaluation
• Gasoline Two-Stroke Cycle Lubricants
• In-Use Emissions Measurement Service
• Tractor Testing, Evaluation and Technology
   

Division Publications

• Driveline Abstracts
• Technical Services
• Fuels and Fuel Additives, Fuel Economy Abstracts

Fuels and Lubricants Research Division
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July 30, 2010