Viscosity-temperature properties of jet fuels

• Published in: Chemistry and technology of fuels and oils Vol. 19; no. 5-6; pp. 297 - 299
• Main Authors: Gorenkov, A F, Lifanova, T A, Klyuchko, I G, Saleev, V A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1984
• Subjects: aircraft; fuels; pumping; thermodynamics; viscosity
• ISSN: 0009-3092

In the operation of flight vehicles, the temperature of jet fuel in the fuel system may vary from -50 degree to +120 degree C, with a corresponding variation of viscosity by a factor greater than 10. Naturally, such changes must be taken into account in order to ensure normal operation of the components of the fuel system. At the higher viscosities of the cold fuel, the hydraulic losses in pumping and filtering the fuel are greater, and more settling time must be allowed to remove solid contaminants, water droplets, and ice crystals from the fuel. The lowering of viscosity when the fuel is heated may lead to leakage of fuel through clearances and seals, and in many cases to greater wear of the rubbing parts of pumps. For these reasons, the viscosity of USSR jet fuels is limited by standards, with a minimum viscosity specified at 20 degree C and a maximum viscosity specified at -40 degree C.