5.1 This test method was developed using Test Method D2603 – 91.

5.2 This test method permits the evaluation of shear stability with minimum interference from thermal and oxidative factors that may be present in some applications. It has been found applicable to fluids containing both readily sheared and shear-resistant polymers. Correlation with performance in the case of hydraulic applications has been established.

1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the shear stability of hydraulic fluids in terms of the final viscosity that results from irradiating a sample of the hydraulic fluid in a sonic oscillator.

1.2 Evidence has been presented that a good correlation exists between the shear degradation that results from sonic oscillation and that obtained in a vane pump test procedure.2

1.3 This test method uses millimetres squared per second (mm²/s), an SI unit, as the unit of viscosity. For information, the equivalent unit, cSt, is shown in parentheses.

1.4 Precision of the method has only been determined for hydraulic fluids with irradiated kinematic viscosities between 10 mm²/s and 50 mm²/s or percent viscosity loss between 5 % and 45 %, the ranges covered by the round robin samples.

1.5 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.