Gaseous Fuel Combustion in a Small Turbojet

Author

Katherine A. Ashton

Date of Award

3-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Frederick R. Schauer, PhD

Abstract

This project set out to test the suitability of natural gas as an aviation fuel by comparing how a small turbojet performed when run on traditional jet fuel versus methane. A JetCat P400, originally designed for jet fuel, was modified to run on methane. The modifications made did not succeed at getting the engine to run at normal operating speed on methane, but did get the engine to run at normal operating speeds using ethylene and ethane. It was determined a fuel and air mixing problem was hindering the engine performance when run on methane Future studies improving the fuel and air mixing of the methane inside the engine are needed to achieve the initial goal of this project.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENY-MS-23-M-250

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed.

Approved for public release. Case number on file.

Recommended Citation

Ashton, Katherine A., "Gaseous Fuel Combustion in a Small Turbojet" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 7015.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/7015