Abstract
The physicochemical and tribological studies of mineral and synthetic commercial engine oils have been carried out to investigate their performance variability and to propose generalized relationship among different physicochemical and performance parameters. Physicochemical parameters have been determined using standard test procedures proposed in ASTM and Indian Standards (BIS). The rheological parameters of these lubricants have been investigated to identify the flow behavior. The tribological performance in terms of their antifriction and antiwear properties has been studied using four-ball tribotester. Correlation and regression analysis has been performed to ascertain relationship among physicochemical and tribological parameters and the causes of performance variability are highlighted. An empirical relation to calculate coefficient of friction as a function of physicochemical properties has been established using regression analysis. The developed relation has fair degree of reliability, as percentage of deviation is less than 20%.
Highlights
Lubricants play a vital role in present day automotives
The flow behavior of engine oil is dependent on the rheology of the oil and, it is very much essential to have a thorough knowledge of the rheological behavior of the lubricants [2]
On the basis of the investigations made, the following broad conclusions are drawn: (i) The commercial engine oils are nearly similar in their physicochemical characteristics
Summary
Lubricants play a vital role in present day automotives. The engine oils in particular lubricate all the critical parts of IC engines. Experimental-statistical methods have been extensively used to characterize friction in dry contact and second-order polynomial equation established for coefficient of friction [7] In another attempt differentiation between API GL performance levels of automotive gear oils was conducted using tribological tests on four-ball and crossed-cylinder wear test apparatus. Various attempts have been made to establish empirical relations among physicochemical parameters using mathematical/statistical techniques In this context, variation in tribo performance of commercial engine oils was studied and correlations between tribological parameters like friction and wear with physicochemical properties were established [9]. In the recent past comprehensive characterization of lubricating fluids of same viscosity but different additive and base stock compositions was performed to investigate the frictional behavior, thermophysical and rheological properties, and mechanical efficiency in hydraulic motors [15]. The study will aid the lubrication and maintenance engineers in selecting appropriate parameters for the successful operations of the engines
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