USCAR Traction Test Methodology for Traction-CVT Fluids

A traction test machine, developed for evaluation of traction-CVT fluids for the automotive consortium, USCAR, provides precision traction measurements to stresses up to 4 GPa. The high stress machine, WAM_hs, provides an elliptical contact between AISI 52100 steel roller and disc specimens. Machine stiffness and positioning technology offer precision control of linear slip, sideslip and spin. A USCAR traction test methodology includes entrainment velocities from 2 to 10 m/sec and temperatures from -20°C to 140°C. The purpose of the USCAR machine and test methodology is to encourage traction fluid development and to establish a common testing approach for fluid qualification. The machine utilizes custom software, which provides flexibility to conduct comprehensive traction fluid evaluations. The traction characterization of three reference fluids covering a matrix of 90 test conditions shows the sensitivity of traction coefficient to stress, temperature, surface speed, spin and fluid type. The database with the three reference fluids provides a benchmark for future fluid development.