Engine Lubrication Systems

Engine lubricants exist to reduce friction between moving parts. Liquid lubricants and oils are readily available, making them a universally utilized item throughout the aerospace industry. Lubricant is pumped through all areas of the engine to separate surfaces and prevent direct metal-to-metal contact. As long as the lubricant film remains intact, potential metallic friction is replaced by fluid friction of the lubricant, minimizing both friction and wear.

Beyond reducing friction, lubricant acts as a cushion between metal parts. This cushion is important for parts such as reciprocating engine crankshafts and shock-loading connecting rods. When the piston is pushed down on the power stroke, loads are applied on the connecting rod bearing and the crankshaft journal. The oil must possess load-bearing qualities that prevent the oil from being squeezed out as it experiences pressure.

There are many characteristics a lubricating oil must have, with viscosity being the most important in terms of engine function. Viscosity refers to an oil’s resistance to flow or, in layman’s terms, thickness. Lubricant oil has to be a very specific viscosity. It must be light enough to flow freely even at low temperatures, but also heavy enough to provide the proper film at high operating temperatures. Another important factor to consider is the flash point and fire point of the oil. The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid will begin to give off ignitable vapors, and fire point is the temperature at which said vapors can catch on fire.

A lubricant’s reaction to heat or cold is measured by something called the viscosity index. This is a number that denotes the effect of temperature changes on the viscosity of the liquid. If an oil has a low viscosity index, there will be a significant change in viscosity when exposed to differing temperatures. It will become thick at low temperatures and thin at high temperatures. Lubricants with high viscosity indexes change very little over a wide array of temperatures.

Engine lubricants are imperative in the prevention of wear and tear on integral parts of an aircraft. At ASAP Supply Chain, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the engine lubrication components for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-supplychain.com or call us at 1-702-919-1616.