A Study of the Jettisoning of JP-4 Fuel in the Atmosphere

Abstract : This study was undertaken at AEDC to provide information relating to the impact on the environment when JP-4 fuel is jettisoned from jet planes. The specific areas investigated were (1) the physical breakup of the JP-4 into droplets, (2) the physical properties of JP-4, (3) the drag coefficient of JP-4 droplets, (4) the evaporation characteristics of JP-4 droplets, and (5) the effects of JP-4 on the atmospheric processes of condensation of water vapor. Data and information provided in the first four areas should be useful in developing a computer model to predict the eventual distribution of JP-4 from a specific fuel dump under particular atmospheric conditions. The results of the studies in the area of atmospheric condensation indicate JP-4 vapors should have neglibible effects. However, small JP-4 droplets may act as effective seed nuclei to initiate precipitation under favorable conditions.