Tokyo, Japan – Nissan Motor Company and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) have announced that they have jointly developed a neutron imaging system that has provided the world’s first precise visualization of oil flow in an engine operating at high speed.

Combining neutron radiography and high-speed imaging technology, the system gives researchers an unprecedented chance to study the behaviour of lubricating oil as it circulates through an engine.

JAEA and Nissan will conduct visualization test studies on engines to determine the causes of friction loss from the recorded behaviour of internal lubricating oil flow. The goal of the study is to redesign engines for optimal oil circulation with reduced friction, in order to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The joint research is being conducted at JAEA’s research and development facility in Tokai.