Date of Award

4-2011

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Department

Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Claudia Fajardo-Hansford

Second Advisor

Dr. Muralidhar Ghantasala

Third Advisor

Dr. Bade Shrestha

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

Engine oil condition was quantified in a diesel engine through direct, real-time measurements of lubricant properties using an on-board oil-condition sensor. The sensor measures the lubricant temperature, density, dynamic viscosity and dielectric constant. Comparative bench-top experiments using ASTM methods or equivalent techniques validated the accuracy and precision of the lubricant property measurements from the oil-condition sensor for a specific temperature range. Bench-top experiments were also used to establish correlations between fuel contamination levels and changes in lubricant properties.

Through engine experiments, the change in the lubricant properties with respect to operating time was quantified. A correlation was found between the dielectric constant and kinematic viscosity. Specific causes for this con-elation and the change in the lubricant properties with respect to engine operating time were further investigated through bench-top oil analysis.

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