Graduate Research Assistant
- Investigated the oxidative stability of alkenes in jet fuels using the Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Tester (JFTOT), resulting in a 60% reduction in potential fouling by optimizing oxidation conditions.- Demonstrated that oxidation of alkenes at temperatures between 260°C and 325°C led to significant chemical transformations, including the formation of ketones and aldehydes, improving understanding of jet fuel performance under oxidative stress.- Achieved a measurable increase in density (up to 3.65%) and refractive index of oxidized alkenes, with the highest changes observed at 260°C, impacting the thermal performance of jet fuels.- Control experiments with nitrogen showed minimal oxidation, highlighting oxygen's critical role in oxidative degradation, providing insights for improved jet fuel formulations.