Which lubrication-related parameter can be influenced by temperature changes?

Fluid viscosity is significantly influenced by temperature changes, making it the correct choice in this context. As temperature increases, the viscosity of most lubricating fluids typically decreases, meaning the fluid becomes thinner and flows more easily. Conversely, when the temperature drops, the viscosity increases, leading to thicker fluid that flows less freely.

This relationship is crucial in machinery lubrication, as proper viscosity is essential for ensuring optimal lubrication, reducing friction, and preventing wear. If the viscosity is too low, it may not provide adequate film strength, potentially leading to increased wear and damage to machine components. If it is too high, it can cause increased resistance to flow, leading to inefficient operation and poor lubrication performance.

Other parameters like particle size, moisture content, and surface roughness are not directly influenced by temperature changes. Particle size relates more to the solid particles present in a lubricant, moisture content measures the level of water in a system, and surface roughness is a characteristic of the surfaces being lubricated. While these factors are important in lubrication, they do not fluctuate in response to temperature variations in the same way that viscosity does.