Improving vehicular fuel efficiency is of paramount importance to the global economy. Governmental regulations, climate change and associated health concerns, as well as the drive towards energy independence, have created a technical need to achieve greater fuel efficiency. While vehicle manufacturers are focusing efforts on improved combustion strategies, smaller displacement engines, weight reduction, low friction surfaces, etc., the research involved in developing fuel efficient engine oils has been less publicized. This seminar will highlight the role of lubricants in improving fuel efficiency and provide strategies for selecting the best oil for a given application.
The course begins with a brief overview of the fuel consumption regulations and global perspective of passenger car lubricants and diesel oil specifications in North America, Europe and Asia. Limitations and advantages of various methods to measure fuel consumption in a variety of bench tests, dyno tests and actual vehicles will be presented. Fundamentals of fluid lubrication regimes, as well as detailed aspects of oil formulations which have significant effects on reduction in mechanical friction, such as base oil selection, viscosity grade choice and impact of friction modifiers, will be covered. The performance characteristics of fresh oil versus used oil and lubrication of coated surfaces will also be discussed. Finally, the impact of various emission control devices on overall diesel fuel consumption will be described.
- Describe the effects of mechanical friction on engine efficiency
- Summarize the pros and cons of various test methodologies used to measure engine friction
- Articulate the limitations in various fuel consumption test methodologies
- Select oils based on frictional control performance
- Describe the role of oil degradation on fuel economy and engine wear
- Evaluate lubricant interactions with low friction surfaces
- Reducing Fuel Consumption
- Regulations - N. American, Europe and Asia
- GHG emissions and climate change
- Petroleum based fuels - availability
- Biofuels - availability and global trends
- Fundamentals of Engine Friction
- Gasoline engine
- Diesel engine
- Methodology - Part 1: How to Measure Engine Friction
- Examples of bench tests
- Examples of engine tests
- Methodology - Part 2: How to Measure Fuel Consumption in Real Life Conditions
- Gasoline vehicles
- Diesel trucks
- Fuel Economy Derived Lubricant Specifications
- N. America - API specifications
- United Europe - OEM specifications
- Japan - OEM specifications
- Lubrication Fundamentals
- Lubrication regimes
- Stribeck curve
- Lubricant Components - Effects on Fuel Consumption
- Base oils
- Viscosity grades
- Friction modifiers
- Fuel Economy Retention
- Impact of used oil on fuel consumption vs. engine wear protection
- Lubrication of Low Friction Surfaces
- Coatings
- Engineered surfaces
- Impact of Diesel Emission Control Devices on Overall Fuel Consumption
Dr. Ewa A. Bardasz is a Fellow at The Lubrizol Corporation, where she is currently responsible for overseeing technical activities related to lubricating novel combustion hardware, aftertreatment systems and emissions. She is experienced in the areas of crankcase lubrication, corrosion inhibition, engine testing and exhaust emissions control. Dr. Bardasz holds over 25 patents, has published multiple technical and scientific papers, authored chapters for technical books and is a frequent invited speaker at conferences throughout the U.S. and Europe. She is the recipient of the SAE International 2002 Award for Research on Automotive Lubricants, and 2009 SAE International Environmental Excellence in Transportation Award. Dr. Bardasz is a Fellow of SAE International and a Fellow of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) where she is also on the Board of Directors. Dr. Bardasz obtained a M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Warsaw Technical University and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Case Institute of Technology.