Next Generation Fuels

Project Description

Assuring the operational durability and safety of aviation fuels is a priority for our military. To reach the goal of deploying resilient fuels, it is imperative that the physical and chemical properties are comparable to those of petroleum-derived conventional fuels. These properties are dictated by the fuel chemical composition. Our current goals are to identify and quantify compounds present in different fuels by using novel analytical instruments (two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry and flame ionization detection). Our group uses this vital information to predict how the chemical composition of new, resilient fuels will influence their physical and chemical properties and the overall performance of an aircraft. Our projects include, but are not limited to a) determination how mixtures of aromatic compounds influence O-ring swelling, b) testing complete tensile strength of O-ring seals immersed in fuel samples c) measuring physical and chemical properties (i.e., density, freezing point) of fuel mixtures, d) creating a database to correlate fuel chemical composition with properties, e) using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify and quantify compounds present in fuel samples, and f) study the effects of impurities on ceramic thermally cycled surfaces. Our labs are creating the unique opportunity for the students to work with a broad range of peers with multidisciplinary backgrounds. Students will be trained and mentored in projects they are interested in so no experience in projects mentioned above is required. Preferred academic backgrounds include: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Aviation Technology, and Aeronautical Engineering.

Publications

Vozka, P., Modereger B., Park, A., Zhang, J., Trice, R., Kenttamaa, H., Kilaz, G. (2019). Jet fuel density via GCxGC-FID, Fuel, 253C, p. 1052-1060.

Romanczyk, M., Vozka, P., Ramirez Velasco, J., Xu, L., Wehde, K., Dissanayake, P., Roe, N., Keating, E., Kilaz, G., Trice, R., Kenttamaa, H.I. (2018). Correlation of volume swelling and tensile strength of o-ring seals immersed in aviation kerosene doped with aromatic compounds: a model compound study, Fuel, Submitted.

Ramirez, J., Kenttämaa, H.I., Kilaz, G., Trice, R.W. (2018). Application of Biofuel Impurities and Effect on the Hot Corrosion of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Thermal Barrier Coatings, Surface & Coatings Technology, Submitted.

Luning Prak, D.J., Romanczyk, M., Wehde, K.E., Ye, S., McLaughlin, M., Luning Park, P.J., Foley, M.P., Kenttӓmaa, H.I., Trulove, P.C., Kilaz, G., Xu, X., Cowart, J.S. (2017). Analysis of Catalytic Hydrothermal Conversion Jet Fuel and Surrogate Mixture Formulation: Components, Properties, and Combustion. Energy and Fuels, 31, p. 13802-13814.

Wehde, K., Romanczyk, M., Vozka, P., Ramírez, J.H., Trice, R., Kilaz, G., Kenttämaa, H. (2017, June). Composition Analysis of Aviation Fuels and Fuel Additives for Rational Development of Renewable Aviation Fuels. Paper presented at The 65th American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) Conference, Indianapolis, IN.