Investigation of Additives for Vulnerability Reduction of JP-4Fuel.

摘要

Combat aircraft fueled with JP-4are prone to fire and explosion when their fuel tanks air struck with incendiary projectiles. A program was carried out to develop additives that reduce the flammability of the liquid phase of JP-4under these conditions. A broad spectrum of additives were considered,involving the screening of eighty-four potential additives. The most promising ones were those that imparted viscoelasticity to the fuel. Of these,natural rubber in conjunction with a water emulsion,as a heat sink,was the most effective. However,it was not possible to completely eliminate liquid phase fuel ignition by incendiary projectile. It is recommended that further work be carried out to develop a reduced vapor pressure fuel for use in combination with viscoelastic additives. (Author)