Operation of Diesel Engines on Low Lubricity/Low Viscosity Fuels

The Defense Department has mandated the elimination of volatile fuels such as gasoline and the adoption of a single heavy fuel for all piston and turbine powerplants, covering a wide range of air, ground and marine applications with outputs ranging from less than one to several thousand kilowatts. Considering the wide range of requirements and the differing needs of the military services and our allies, JP-8, a low viscosity, low sulfur fuel in the kerosene family that is compatible with both gas turbine and compression ignition (CI) piston engines has been selected as the standard. Problems in the field with CI fuel injection component wear rates, hot startability, and air-fuel ratio control, are all traceable to the interaction of fuel properties with CI fuel injection systems. In the development of a high power density, JP-8 fueled, outboard motor for the Special Operations Command, VAIREX has identified solutions to difficult tribological issues that appear to have direct application to the problem identified in this solicatation. In Phase I, a review of the systems interactions during the failure modes will be performed, critical parameters will be identified and quantified, and a plan to qualify the proposed solution will be developed.