In order to create alternate pathways to increase fuel efficiency, flexible ways to alter and test fluid properties are needed when transmission manufacturers change the operating conditions or components used in automatic transmissions. A prototype was fabricated to satisfy this need by reducing the cost, time of conducting tests while producing accurate results, and also increasing the amount of trials that can be conducted in a laboratory setting. The limitations of developing a new prototype are: safety, weight, ease of use, laboratory size, and establishing accurate results within the amount of time given. This project was approached using the Engineering Design Process: define the problem, background research, specify requirements, brainstorm, develop and prototype, test solution, requirements met/unmet, and communicate results. Fabrication has been completed as scheduled. The raw materials were converted to usable parts and assembled. Final adjustments have been made to accommodate the functionality. Remaining major problems include temperature regulation, computerized data measurements, and improving the data accuracy compared to the benchmarked test rigs. The project reduces the cost and time of testing new fluid additives for different companies (e.g., Afton Chemical). This device will help them gain a better understanding of fluid friction. The project will contribute to improving fuel efficiency by 1%.
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