The Lubricity of Ternary Fuel Mixture Blends as a Way to Assess Diesel Engine Durability

Abstract

The study deals with the lubrication characteristics of ternary fuel mixture blends to assess diesel engine durability by using better performing fuels, namely Mandarin Crambe and Paraffin (ManCr_Pa) and Avocado Bush nut and Paraffin (AvBn_Pa). Tribological parameters of friction coefficient, wear, and lubrication stability were measured to assess the impact of these fuels on engine durability. The tests were conducted on a four-ball tribotester using the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) D4172 standard; friction coefficient and wear scar diameter for the fuels were measured. The wear scar surface morphology of the ball metals was evaluated by a high-performance scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray SEM/EDX analysis. The corrosive behaviour of the fuels was also assessed by evaluating images from the SEM/EDX tests. Finally, the engine durability, reliability, and longevity were also evaluated based on the measured tribological parameters.

Keywords

• biodiesel
• lubrication properties
• tribological characteristics
• friction coefficient
• SEM/EDX analysis