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	Engineers use radioactive tracer technology to measure piston ring and connector rod wear in response to engine speed, load, and coolant temperature.

Engines and other automotive components—especially air, fuel, and lubrication systems—are continually subjected to wear-causing environments. Because fuel has a low viscosity, the ability of a system to maintain engine lubricity to reduce friction and wear is important.

To measure friction and wear at critical components, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) offers a variety of services, including:

• Fuel lubricity assessment

• Commutator friction measurement

• Wear measurement

• Brush contact voltage drop testing

• Surface wear measurement in real-time using radioactive tracer technologies

For more information about our lubricity, friction, and wear capabilities, 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 12 technical divisions.

December 21, 2009