Advanced Integrated Tribology System

The objective of this program is to develop an integrated tribology system for advanced low heat rejection (LHR) diesel engines. The system will consist of a substantially improved high-temperature liquid lubricant, for long life under severe conditions; improved compatible engine tribomaterials; and an on-board sensor arrays for direct monitoring of engine oil condition. Surfaces Research lubricants, already the state-of-the-art in high-temperature capabilities, will be improved by recently discovered, innovative chemistry. They will also incorporate, for the first time, 100% Surfaces Research additive packages. These will not only improve performance to the highest level, but will permit U.S. Army specifications for lubricant products with known components. Engine seals, pumps, bearings, overhead components, and other contact surfaces are known to be problematic as temperatures are increased into the LHR range. Improved tribomaterials will be selected for these components and incorporated into the engine system, to further improve engine performance and longevity. Novel sensors will be developed, to directly determine the degree to which the liquid lubricant is contaminated by soot, dirt, wear particles and sludge precursors. The new sensors will be arrayed with other available sensors that measure acid and viscosity increases, to achieve optimum total condition monitoring. Advanced diesel engines will achieve large increases in fuel efficiency, durability, and trouble-free life, with targeted and lower levels of maintenance, by using the improved high-temperature lubricants and engine tribomaterials with real-time oil condition monitoring. Commercial heavy-duty truck diesel engines will benefit from these advances as much as military diesel engines, as will automobile engines.