Analysis on the Friction Characteristics of Low Viscosity Engine Oils

Abstract

In this paper, the friction characteristic of engine bearings has been analyzed in terms of a friction loss power, a minimum film thickness and an oil film pressure. This analysis has been focused on the fuel economy improvement with a low viscosity engine oil such as SAE 0W-40, which is used for a friction loss reduction and increased for a Diesel fuel economy. The friction loss power, the minimum oil film thickness and oil film pressure distribution for plain bearings of a Diesel engine are analyzed using an AVL's EXCITE program with a conventional engine oils of SAE 5W-40 and 10W-40, and a low viscosity engine oil of SAE 0W-40. The computed results indicate that a viscosity of engine oils is closely related to the friction loss power and the decreased minimum film thickness in which is a key parameter of a load carrying capacity of an oil film pressure distribution. When the low viscosity engine oil is supplied to engine bearings, it does not affect to the formation of a minimum oil film thickness. But the friction loss power has been significantly affected by low viscosity engine oil at a low operating temperature of 0. Based on the FEM computed results, the low viscosity engine oil at a low temperature range will be an important factor for an improvement of the fuel economy improvement.