Determination of the Thermophysical Properties of Engine Lubricants

This project aims to develop and use a new technique to measure the high temperature thermophysical properties of engine lubricants. The PhD is sponsored by Infineum as an iCASE award and will involve the validation of the instrumentation and the examination of lubricant formulations over the range of temperatures present in the engine. In addition, the decomposition mechanism and products from the high temperature treatment of the oils will be studied using vibrational spectroscopy. Lubricants play a critical role in the efficient running of engines and their design is of significant importance particularly their thermal stability and how their flow properties change with temperature and extend of decomposition. The project will use the device to monitor other changes in the oils at elevated temperature including changes in the detergent properties and the nature of any particulates formed