Development of comprehensive surrogate fuel model for RP-3 aviation kerosene

A comprehensive surrogate of RP-3 fuel was developed by the methodology of directly matching the molecular structure and functional groups. n-dodecane, 2,5-dimethylhexane, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene and decalin were selected as the surrogate components. The physical surrogate model can well predict the main physical properties of RP-3 aviation kerosene from subcritical to supercritical pressures. Besides, the performances of chemical surrogate fuel were also validated against experimental data. Present surrogate fuel model was in good agreement with the experimental ignition delay times both at low and high temperature regions. In addition, present surrogate fuel could also well reflect the ignition delay time at low pressures (0.1-0.01 MPa). Results showed that present surrogate fuels could emulate both the physical and kinetic properties well. The success of present surrogate fuel lays a foundation for understanding of the coupling mechanism of fuel regenerative cooling process and combustion process, and achieving co-simulation of aero-engine regenerative cooling system and propulsion power system in scramjet.