Engine friction reduction improves fuel economy, durability, and performance. Accurately measuring friction at the system and component level allows for targeted engineering analysis and optimization of friction-reducing technologies. Measurements establish the true benefits of technologies in a given application. Intelligent test designs and customer input can quickly evaluate optimum combinations of several technologies.

1. Engine Friction Measurements
Engine friction reduction is the first step to improving the fuel
Contact Information
economy of any engine, in any application, running on any fuel.
MAHLE Powertrain, LLC
Reducing friction also has durability and performance benefits.
Novi, MI 48375
Accurately measuring and attributing friction at the system and
powertrain@us.mahle.com
component level allows for a targeted engineering analysis and
(248) 473-6600
optimization.
Measurements can be used to establish the true benefits of
friction reducing technologies in a given application. Utilizing
intelligent DoE techniques, along with customer input on drive
cycles and operating conditions, several technologies can be
evaluated to quickly establish the optimum combination.
MAHLE Product Information 06/2009 1
©MAHLE Powertrain LLC, 2009

2. Engine Friction Measurements
Test Conditions
Oil temperature control critical – held within +/-0.5°C
Water temperature controlled to +/-1.0°C to provide
realistic geometric conditions for engine
Bespoke oil and coolant conditioning rigs used to control
temperature and pressure/flow when engines own pumps
are removed as part of the teardown procedure
Oil level control important – standpipe can be used to
scavenge sump to specific level
Test Procedure
A special stabilization test schedule is employed, with the
engine friction assessed at intervals until friction values
are judged to be stable
o A running engine typically stabilizes sufficiently in
approximately 50 hours of run time
o Stabilization can also be achieved via motoring
although at substantially longer stabilization times
Engine teardown procedure begins with full engine friction
measurement and then systematically removes
components and systems
Subsystem testing e.g. cylinder head and oil pump, can Oil Conditioning Rig
be evaluated on special friction rigs
Base line results are evaluated, targeted components are
optimized
Optimized engine is stabilized, tested and compared to
baseline
Test matrix may be tailored to client requirements, for
example:
o Benchmark analysis
o Comparative assessment of system design
alternatives
o Sensitivity against design parameters (oil level,
viscosity, temperature etc)
MAHLE Product Information 06/2009 2
©MAHLE Powertrain LLC, 2009