Impact of future fuel properties on aircraft engines and fuel systemsFrom current projections of the availability of high-quality petroleum crude oils, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the specifications for hydrocarbon jet fuels may have to be modified. The problems that are most likely to be encountered as a result of these modifications relate to engine performance, component durability and maintenance, and aircraft fuel-system performance. The effect on engine performance will be associated with changes in specific fuel consumption, ignition at relight limits, at exhaust emissions. Durability and maintenance will be affected by increases in combustor liner temperatures, carbon deposition, gum formation in fuel nozzles, and erosion and corrosion of turbine blades and vanes. Aircraft fuel-system performance will be affected by increased deposits in fuel-system heat exchangers and changes in the pumpability and flowability of the fuel. The severity of the potential problems is described in terms of the fuel characteristics most likely to change in the future. Recent data that evaluate the ability of current-technology aircraft to accept fuel specification changes are presented, and selected technological advances that can reduce the severity of the problems are described and discussed.
Document ID
19790027587
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Rudey, R. A. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Grobman, J. S. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1978
Subject Category
Aircraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: NATO, AGARD, Lecture Series on Energy Conservation in Aircraft Propulsion, 96th