DEVELOPMENT OF AN ARMY STATIONARY AXLE TEST STAND FOR LUBRICANT EFFICIENCY EVALUATION-PART II

Abstract : The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC) has initiated the construction and development of a stationary axle efficiency test stand to allow for laboratory based investigation of Fuel Efficient Gear Oils (FEGO) and their impact on vehicle efficiency. Development work using the stationary axle efficiency test stand was completed using hardware representative of light and medium duty tactical wheeled vehicles. Stationary axle efficiency testing was conducted following a draft Federal Test Method (FTM) using developmental and commercial oils. The most differentiation of efficiency between tested lubricants was achieved in the low speed/lower load operating conditions of the FTM cycle, while efficiency results at the higher speed/high load operating conditions showed significantly tighter grouping. Overall, results tended to show increased efficiency trending with reduced viscosity.