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Oil with a viscosity that does not change much between 40☌ and100☌ will have a higher VI than an oil with a greater change in viscosity.
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A high VI indicates the oil undergoes little viscosity change due to temperature fluctuations, while a low VI indicates a relatively large viscosity change. Temperature variations – The Viscosity Index (VI) of a lubricating fluid refers to how much the viscosity of the oil changes with temperature.Therefore viscosity measurement is one of the more important tests for oil in a mechanical system.įor machine condition monitoring, kinematic viscosity, defined as the resistance to flow under gravity, is the established method. When in use, contaminants such as water, fuel entering the oil, oxidation, and soot all affect the viscosity. Oil provides benefits in addition to lubrication, and it is vital that it be able to flow under all conditions.
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The correct balance between high viscosity for load carrying and low viscosity for ease of circulation must be considered for any lubricant and its application. Viscosity determines the load carrying ability of the oil as well as how easily it circulates. The most important physical property of a lubricating oil is viscosity.
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