Fuels & Lubricants Research
With almost 70 years of experience as an independent research, development, and evaluation laboratory for fuels and lubricants, we are well qualified to tackle challenges affecting marine vessels and locomotives, trucks and automobiles, and even hand-held power tools. We provide standardized and custom testing for gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuels, as well as lubricants, coolants, and other fluids, using over-the-road fleet testing, mileage accumulation dynamometers, and a wide array of engine test stands.
We perform testing on all vehicles, from compact cars to tractor-trailers and off-road equipment, and for internal combustion engines ranging from lawn mowers to locomotives. We also operate a fully functional tribology laboratory with unique capabilities to support client research programs.
Our staff members can produce, analyze, and certify conventional and alternative fuels to meet SAE and industry certification standards. We cover virtually every standard industry test, including ASTM, UOP, SAE, and federal tests to evaluate the quality and performance of fuels, lubricants, and functional fluids.
The U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) Fuels and Lubricants Research Facility located at SwRI provides research, development and engineering services for the military, government agencies and commercial clients. We also assess the contamination sensitivity of fuel systems, engines, powertrains, and hydraulic system components.