ASTM D4741-13

5.1 Viscosity measured under the conditions of this test method is considered to be representative of that at the temperatures and shear rates but not the pressures in the journal bearings of internal combustion engines under operating conditions.

5.2 The relevance of these conditions to the measurement of engine-oil viscosity has been discussed in many publications.⁶

1.1 This test method² covers the laboratory determination of the viscosity of oils at 150 °C and 1 × 10⁶s^–1 and at 100 °C and 1 × 10⁶s^–1, using high shear rate tapered-plug viscometer models BE/C or BS/C.

1.2 Newtonian calibration oils are used to adjust the working gap and for calibration of the apparatus. These calibration oils cover a range from approximately 1.4 mPa·s to 5.9 mPa·s (cP) at 150 °C and 4.2 mPa·s to 18.9 mPa·s (cP) at 100 °C. This test method should not be used for extrapolation to higher viscosities than those of the Newtonian calibration oils used for calibration of the apparatus. If it is so used, the precision statement will no longer apply. The precision has only been determined for the viscosity range 1.48 mPa·s to 5.07 mPa·s at 150 °C and from 4.9 mPa·s to 11.8 mPa·s at 100 °C for the materials listed in the precision section.

1.3 A non-Newtonian reference oil is used to check that the working conditions are correct. The exact viscosity appropriate to each batch of this oil is established by testing on a number of instruments in different laboratories. The agreed value for this reference oil may be obtained from the chairman of the Coordinating European Council (CEC) Surveillance Group for CEC L-36-A90, or from the distributor.

1.4 Applicability to products other than engine oils has not been determined in preparing this test method.

1.5 This test method uses the millipascal seconds, mPa·s, as the unit of viscosity. For information, the equivalent cgs unit, centipoise, cP, is shown in parentheses.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.