15.9 Lubrication and Fuels Flashcards
What were the earliest gas turbine engines developed using?
Straight mineral oils
These oils had low-temperature starting issues.
What operational requirements led to the evolution of oils with lower viscosities?
Low-temperature starting requirements
This includes starting on the ground or at altitude (re-lights).
What issues were found with mineral oils in gas turbine engines?
Lack of stability, excessive volatility, thermal degradation
These issues arose at higher temperatures.
What type of oils were developed for gas turbine engine lubricants?
Ester-based synthetic oils
These oils were more suitable for high-performance engines.
What viscosity did the initial ester-based synthetic oils have?
Approximately 3 centistokes
This was insufficient for high gear loads.
What was added to the initial synthetic oils to improve their performance?
Thickeners
This raised the viscosity to about 7.5 centistokes.
What are Type 1 oils known for?
Reliance on additives and multi-component additive packages
These were necessary to improve performance.
What does APU stand for?
Auxiliary Power Units
APUs are increasingly using 3 mm²/s oils.
What is the demand for engine oils in the USA due to?
Improved thermal stability and high load-carrying ability
Some sacrifice in low-temperature performance is accepted.
What are the main tasks of oil in modern jet engines?
- Lubricating
- Cooling
- Cleaning
- Corrosion protection
Each task is crucial for engine operation.
What is the purpose of lubrication in engine oil?
To reduce friction between moving metal surfaces
This prevents wear and damage.
What temperature does Type 2 oils have a pour point of?
-57 °C
Below this temperature, the oil stops flowing.
What is the flash point of Type 2 oils?
Higher than 250 °C
This helps avoid fire hazards.
What does viscosity measure in engine oil?
The internal resistance of a fluid against deformation
It affects how the oil flows and lubricates.
What is the viscosity range for Type 2 oils at 99 °C?
Higher than 5 cS and lower than 13,000 cS at -40 °C
This ensures proper performance under various temperatures.
What is oxidation resistance in engine oil?
The oil’s ability to resist thickening when reacting with oxygen
Important for maintaining durability.
What defines thermal stability in engine oil?
Resistance to decomposition of oil compounds at high temperatures
This ensures consistent lubrication capabilities.
What are the two main groups of engine oils?
- Synthetic oils
- Mineral oils
Synthetic oils are preferred for jet engines.
What is a key disadvantage of synthetic oils?
High price and harmful to the skin
They cannot be mixed with oils from other manufacturers.
What are the four main types of turbine engine fuel?
- Jet A1
- Jet A
- Jet B
- JP 5
Each has different specifications and uses.
What is the flash point minimum for Jet A1 fuel?
38 °C
This is important for safe handling.
What are the main requirements of turbine engine fuels?
- Low freezing point
- High flash point
- Clear appearance
- Limited acidity
- Low volatility
- Good fluidity
- High calorific value
- Stability against contamination
These ensure performance and safety.
What is the main purpose of additives in engine oil?
To impart desirable characteristics
Additives can include detergents, antioxidants, and foam inhibitors.
What is the impact of oil foaming on performance?
It affects the oil’s ability to separate from entrapped air
Foaming can reduce lubrication efficiency.