Completed in 2004, the study into the effects of 10% and 20% ethanol blended fuel was a major project spanning 20months. Orbital made use of its extensive engine and vehicle test facilities to perform a comprehensive test program on a range of engines and vehicles to determine the short and long term effects of varying levels of ethanol content in the fuel. The test matrix included five automotive passenger vehicle models and two non-automotive 2-stroke products - an outboard marine engine and a handheld line-trimmer.

Objectives:

• Provide independent testing into the effects of ethanol
• Accumulate significant mileage on a number of vehicles under scientifically controlled environments
• Maintain strict confidentiality during the 20month project

Milestones:

• On-time, on-budget project delivery
• 740,000kms accumulated using robot-driver mileage accumulation chassis dynamometers
• 2000hr material compatibility trials

Experience:

• Environmental facilities used in the comparative drivability assessment of five different vehicle models
• Accelerated durability assessment of marine and utility engines in accordance to manufacturers' standards
• Base engine wear assessment on a diverse range of 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines