A hydraulic fluid that prevents contact between component metal surfaces is said to have good?

A hydraulic fluid that prevents contact between metal surfaces is said to have good lubricity. Lubricity refers to the ability of a fluid to reduce friction and wear between surfaces in contact, which is crucial in hydraulic systems. When a hydraulic fluid has good lubricity, it forms a protective film on the surfaces of components, ensuring that they do not come into direct contact with each other. This reduces the risk of damage, overheating, and failure of the hydraulic system, enhancing the overall efficiency and longevity of the machinery.

Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, while the viscosity index indicates how much the viscosity of a fluid changes with temperature. Film strength pertains to the capacity of a lubricating film to withstand loads without breaking down. While all these properties are important in the context of hydraulic fluids, lubricity specifically addresses the fluid’s effectiveness in creating a barrier that prevents direct contact between metal surfaces.