A friction and wear study of laboratory aged engine oil in the presence of diesel fuel and oxymethylene ether

Abstract

ABSTRACTNon-fossil fuels for the commercial and passenger vehicle sector are gaining more importance due to their positive effects on exhaust gas emissions. Ongoing research investigating a broad variety of biofuels, synthetic fuels and regenerative fuels shows that a reduction of emissions can be possible without major modifications to the existing vehicle infrastructure. An internal combustion engine is a complex system of physical and chemical mechanisms, all of which contribute to the performance output, exhaust gas composition, durability and longevity of the engine. Modifying the fuel will not only result in differing chemical reactions and thermodynamic efficiency but will also affect friction and wear through the dilution and degradation of the lubricant. This study aims to investigate the variation of friction and wear in a model system due to the introduction of oxymethylene ether and regular diesel fuel to the lubricant. High-frequency reciprocating rig experiments will be carried out on 100Cr6 steel specimen with laboratory aged fully formulated commercially available SAE 0W-20 grade engine oil containing defined amounts of and regular diesel fuel. The surface of the steel specimen will be analysed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.