Determining the Influence of Surface Tension on Fuel Spray Characteristics for Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) in Comparison to Jet A and Iso-paraffinic Kerosene (IPK)

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Valentin Soloiu

Location

Russell Union Ballroom

Type of Research

On-going

Session Format

Poster Presentation

College

Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering & Computing

Department

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

The adoption of sustainable aviation fuels increases in the modern aerospace industry due to their proven results in reducing emissions compared to already existing sustainable aviation fuels and conventional jet fuels. As the aviation industry continues to investigate how these alternative fuels are positively affecting the impact of aerospace emissions, knowing how injection spray affects combustion in the turbine’s combustor becomes increasingly important. Among the physical properties governing spray formation, surface tension plays a critical role in fuel atomization due to its influence on spray behavior. In this study, the influence of surface tension on the spray characteristics of hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) fuel was experimentally investigated and compared with Jet A, a conventional jet fuel, and iso-paraffinic kerosene (IPK), a recognized sustainable aviation fuel. The objective of this work was to evaluate how differences in surface tension between the two fuels affect atomization performance. Spray formation of the fuels were analyzed using a Mie scattering He-Ne laser so the spray patterns can be assessed to see the role of surface tension in the atomization and fuel performance differences. The findings therefore support ongoing efforts to optimize fuel efficiency, ultimately contributing to enhanced engine performance due to improved fuel atomization and reduced emissions. By advancing knowledge of sustainable fuel behavior, this work aligns with the societal need for cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally responsible aviation technologies.

Program Description

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Start Date

4-23-2026 10:00 AM

End Date

4-23-2026 12:00 PM

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Apr 23rd, 10:00 AM Apr 23rd, 12:00 PM

Determining the Influence of Surface Tension on Fuel Spray Characteristics for Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) in Comparison to Jet A and Iso-paraffinic Kerosene (IPK)

Russell Union Ballroom

The adoption of sustainable aviation fuels increases in the modern aerospace industry due to their proven results in reducing emissions compared to already existing sustainable aviation fuels and conventional jet fuels. As the aviation industry continues to investigate how these alternative fuels are positively affecting the impact of aerospace emissions, knowing how injection spray affects combustion in the turbine’s combustor becomes increasingly important. Among the physical properties governing spray formation, surface tension plays a critical role in fuel atomization due to its influence on spray behavior. In this study, the influence of surface tension on the spray characteristics of hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) fuel was experimentally investigated and compared with Jet A, a conventional jet fuel, and iso-paraffinic kerosene (IPK), a recognized sustainable aviation fuel. The objective of this work was to evaluate how differences in surface tension between the two fuels affect atomization performance. Spray formation of the fuels were analyzed using a Mie scattering He-Ne laser so the spray patterns can be assessed to see the role of surface tension in the atomization and fuel performance differences. The findings therefore support ongoing efforts to optimize fuel efficiency, ultimately contributing to enhanced engine performance due to improved fuel atomization and reduced emissions. By advancing knowledge of sustainable fuel behavior, this work aligns with the societal need for cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally responsible aviation technologies.