Impact of nanoparticles as an additive to biojet fuel on turbine aviation engine: A performance study

• Fuel Stability: SPAN80 improved nanoparticle fuel stability, but persistent sedimentation underscores the need for advanced dispersion methods. • Properties enhancement: Nanoparticle infusion lowered HEFA fuel density while Al 2 O 3 showed higher LHV and density than MgO, indicating material-dependent performance. • Improvement in Engine Performance: Al 2 O 3 and MgO in HEFA improved LHV by 5.5 %, enhancing engine thrust (4.44 %) and raising combustion and nozzle outlet temperatures. Combusting Jet-A in aeroengines releases significant amounts of harmful gases. However, the HEFA content is currently limited to 50 % due to its properties that reduce combustion efficiency. Enhancing HEFA properties is crucial for increasing blend content and improving combustion efficiency. This study modifies HEFA properties by adding 0.5 wt% nanoparticles (NPs) such as Alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) and Magnesium Oxide (MgO). Seven fuel samples, including Jet-A, pure HEFA, Jet-A and HEFA blends, and their blends with nanoparticles, were evaluated in a jet turbine engine for thrust and thrust specific fuel consumption (TSFC) using the Gas Turbine Simulation Program. Al 2 O 3 and MgO nanoparticles in HEFA were stabilized for up to 5 h using SPAN80 surfactant. Average zeta potential magnitude measured for Al 2 O 3 is higher for each day compared to MgO. Nanoparticle inclusion improved the lower heating value (LHV), and engine thrust by up to 5.5 % compared to Jet-A, but reduced fuel density below ASTM standards. Despite the lower fuel density, a higher LHV contributed to an enhanced TSFC and engine efficiency of 4.25 %. Al 2 O 3 outperformed MgO in terms of LHV and density. While nanoparticles show potential to enhance aircraft engine performance, further research is needed to improve their stability and assess their interactions within engine components.