Extreme-Temperature Multi-Use Engine Oils

The objective of this program is to develop an extreme-temperature lubricant for the U.S. Army Future Combat System (FCS) propulsion system. The system will operate at significantly higher temperatures for longer durations than today's prototype low heatrejection (LHR) diesel engines. The lubricant will be used as the engine oil, cooling fluid, and transmission fluid.Surfaces Research has recently developed new base fluids and additives for multigrade lubricants with three times better resistance tooxidative degradation than the best current high-temperature lubricants. Previously, only single-weight oils had sufficient stability for LHR engines. The new lubricants have five times better wear-prevention than current best engine oils and transmissionfluids, with ultralow carbon deposits.The proposed Phase I program will combine our recent breakthroughs in high-stability multigrade fluids and innovative diesel engine additive packages. We will synthesize and formulate four demonstration lubricants. Wewill demonstrate large leaps forward in all aspects of lubricant performance, using laboratory tests that predict performance in LHR engines.We propose to scale up the best lubricant and begin an Army engine test in the Phase I Option period. The enginetest will be in a new FCS diesel prototype: a 750 HP, inwardly-opposed two-cycle engine.The improved high-temperature lubricants for advanced diesel engines will achieve large increases in fuel efficiency, power density, and durability, with lowermaintenance. Commercial heavy-duty truck diesels, automobile engines, and transmissions will benefit from these advances as much as military vehicles.