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Impulse Test

Accelerated Life Testing

Contaminant Characterization

Material Compatibility

Modeling and Simulation

Test Procedure Development

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Environmental Evaluation

Filtration

Emissions and Safety Issues

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	SwRI engineers evaluate changes in surface characteristics at critical boundaries as illustrated in these micrographs of a fuel injector tip. (Top: 250-hour test. Bottom: 750-hour test.)

Contamination significantly affects the performance and durability and shortens service the life of:

• Fuel components

• Fuel systems

• Air systems

• Air components

• Lubricant components

• Lubricant systems

Other issues affected by contamination include:

• Automotive safety

• Vehicle performance

• Warranty

Scientists and engineers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) use advanced analytical tools, testing techniques, and simulation methodologies to assess the contamination sensitivity of:

• Fuel system components

• Engine components

• Powertrain components

• Technical strengths include:

• Functionality testing

• Contamination sensitivity and durability testing

• Contaminant chemical composition determination

• Contaminant particle size evaluation

For more information about fuel systems and contamination research and contaminant characterization capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Xiaojian Tao, Ph.D. at xtao@swri.org or (210) 522-6962.
 

| Fuels and Lubricants Technology Department | Fuels and Lubricants Research Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

September 30, 2008