Effects of O-Ring Elastomers with Conventional and Synthesized Aviation Fuels with a Novel Elastomer Dynamic Compression System

The continual compatibility of elastomer O-ring seals installed in aircraft engines and fuel systems is of upmost importance as novel synthetic aviation fuels are introduced for use in aviation operations. The aim of this research is to investigate the reactions of common aviation O-rings with the leading candidates for conventional aviation fuel replacement. The experimental methodology employed a novel elastomer/fuel compatibility test apparatus, designed and built specifically for this research, that replicates O-ring operational environments in a laboratory-controlled setting. Terabytes of O-ring reaction data were collected and analyzed meticulously using statistical methods while also developing methods for viewing the data in percentage of compression. Novel technical advancements of this research are: (i) design and manufacture an apparatus that records O-ring behavior with flowing fuel in one second intervals over long periods of time utilizing four highly accurate load sensors, (ii) evaluate the performance of O-ring swell under different levels of initial compression, (iii) utilized MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry to identify fuel pathways into the geometry of the O-ring sample.Results of this research establish O-ring reactivity characteristics with varying conventional, synthetic kerosene, synthetic aromatic kerosene, and blends of these fuels with various O-ring elastomers. Specific objectives of this research include investigating NBR, FVMQ, and FKM O-ring elastomer reaction with conventional Jet A, HEFA, ATJ, and synthetic aromatic kerosene individually along with blends of synthetic fuels with Jet A. Additionally, the complex pathway of fuel into the O-ring is investigated in conjunction with compression effects on elastomer swell.The conclusion of this dissertation identifies the impact different aviation fuel species have on typical O-rings with important correlations identified due to novel testing procedures. This research has demonstrated that aromatic-free synthetic fuels, HEFA and ATJ, impact elastomer swell differently. A nonlinear trend has been shown when analyzing the swell reactions of NBR O-rings under different initial compression forces. The research has also shown a positive elastomer reaction with UV radiation with greater swell occurring on the O-ring closer in proximity to the UV radiation source. The discoveries made in this research will provide valuable knowledge to seal design, novel aviation fuel production.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Alabama Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Hamilton, Jerry Lee

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Khandelwal, Bhupendra

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bara, Jason
• Srinivasan, Kalyan
• Krishnan, Sundar R.
• Bittle, Joshua

• Elastomer
• Jet Fuel
• O-ring
• Solid Rocket Booster
• Synthesized Paraffinic Kerosene
• Turbine Engine

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US, English

Dc Identifier Other

1232817

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ir.ua.edu:123456789/18032