Abstract
The dielectric constants of used diesel engine oils were obtained at a few temperatures and a frequency. Through analyzing the characteristics of dielectric constant, the related correlation between the changes in dielectric constants of oil and the degree of oil deterioration is going to be found. The dielectric constant was calculated using cross capacitances measured by a sensor tube. As results of the measurement of the fresh engine oil's dielectric constant, it was found that the value of dielectric constant was set down below $60^{\circ}C$ regardless changing frequency. Further, above 6 kHz, the dielectric constant was set down even if temperature was above $100^{\circ}C$. Therefore, for the measurement of used oils, it was selected the frequency of 6 kHz, and the temperature of $80^{\circ}C$ preventing a certain ionic-conduction effects on the measured dielectric constant and the evaporation of a certain fluid mixed with engine oil. Specially, the effects of the mixing fluid like coolant, water and fuel on the fresh engine oil's dielectric constant were studied. It was found that the oil mixed with coolant showed the highest value, next water, and the lowest fuel. As results of the measurement of the used engine oil's dielectric constant, it was found that the possible changed rate of the used engine oil's dielectric constant based on the warning limit for engine oil in service was below 10% for diesel engine oil.