See Test Method D341, Annex A1.ġ.3 The kinematic viscosity values are determined with reference to a value of 1.0034 mm2/s at 20.00 ☌ for distilled water. Such viscosity index data may be considered as suitable for information only and not for specification purposes. Equations are provided for calculating viscosity index for petroleum products having kinematic viscosities above 70 mm2/s at 100 ☌.ġ.2.1 In cases where kinematic viscosity data are not available at temperatures of 40 ☌ and 100 ☌, an estimate may be made of the viscosity index by calculating the kinematic viscosity at temperatures of 40 ☌ and 100 ☌ from data obtained at other temperatures. Table 1 given in this practice applies to petroleum products with kinematic viscosities between 2 mm2/s and 70 mm2/s at 100 ☌. NOTE 1: The results obtained from the calculation of VI from kinematic viscosities determined at 40 ☌ and 100 ☌ are virtually the same as those obtained from the former VI system using kinematic viscosities determined at 37.78 ☌ and 98.89 ☌.ġ.2 This practice does not apply to petroleum products with kinematic viscosities less than 2.0 mm2/s at 100 ☌. 4.1 The viscosity index is a widely used and accepted measure of the variation in kinematic viscosity due to changes in the temperature of a petroleum product between 40 ☌ and 100 ☌.Ĥ.2 A higher viscosity index indicates a smaller decrease in kinematic viscosity with increasing temperature of the lubricant.Ĥ.3 The viscosity index is used in practice as a single number indicating temperature dependence of kinematic viscosity.Ĥ.4 Viscosity Index is sometimes used to characterize base oils for purposes of establishing engine testing requirements for engine oil performance categories.6ġ.1 This practice2 covers the procedures for calculating the viscosity index of petroleum products, such as lubricating oils, and related materials from their kinematic viscosities at 40 ☌ and 100 ☌.

Astm viscosity test