100LL

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School

Utah Valley University *

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410G

Subject

Industrial Engineering

Date

Dec 6, 2023

Type

docx

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Uploaded by ChefSquirrelPerson777

100LL Tyler Sumsion

In the initial stages of aviation, engines were relatively uncomplicated with lower compression ratios, and the fuel comprised a mixture of gasoline and other additives. However, as engine technology advanced and aircraft designs became more intricate, the demand for higher-octane fuels grew. Early on, automotive engineers learned that as gasoline burned it had a tendency to “knock”. This knocking was a result of gasoline exploding quickly and violently within engine cylinders. Once tetra-ethyl lead (TEL) was added into the fuel mixture, it would produce the much more desired effect of burning smoothly. This addition allowed for the creation of much more powerful engines capable of high compression ratios. The antiknock properties of lead, capable of elevating the octane rating of gasoline, were utilized. This attribute was particularly crucial for aviation engines requiring higher octane ratings to prevent detonation or knocking. (DeMik et al.) The high-performance engines of aircraft during World War II necessitated fuels with even higher octane ratings, solidifying the use of leaded avgas with TEL. The reliability and performance benefits were crucial for the success of high-performance fighter planes. Following World War II, the use of leaded fuel persisted in civil aviation. Many aircraft designed in the post-war era were optimized for leaded avgas, and the general aviation fleet heavily relied on it. (DeMik et al.) Over time, concerns about the environmental and health impacts of leaded fuel emerged, prompting efforts to phase out its use. Leaded fuel contributes to air pollution, and the emitted lead can have adverse health effects. However, the transition away from leaded avgas in aviation has proven intricate due to the substantial number of existing aircraft and the need for compatibility with current engines. (Federal Aviation Administration)

According to the FAA, “All forms of lead are toxic if inhaled or ingested. Lead can affect human health in several ways, including effects on the nervous system, red blood cells and cardiovascular and immune systems. Infants and young children are especially sensitive to even low levels of lead, which may contribute to behavioral and learning problems and lower IQ in Children have increased sensitivity due to their developing nervous systems.” (Federal Aviation Administration). Ongoing efforts focus on developing and certifying unleaded aviation fuels as a more environmentally friendly alternative. While some unleaded aviation fuels have received certification, the shift away from leaded avgas remains a gradual process. A significant portion of the aircraft fleet in the United States, especially older models, was originally designed and certified to operate on leaded aviation gasoline (avgas). Shifting to unleaded alternatives would call for costly modifications to engines and airframes, along with extensive recertification processes. Additionally, the aviation industry is subject to rigorous regulatory standards, and any alterations to fuel specifications or aircraft designs must undergo thorough certification processes. Adapting these engines to unleaded alternatives may require redesigns to maintain performance and reliability, posing a substantial technical and resource challenge. (Robinson) Developing an unleaded alternative that meets the performance requirements of diverse aircraft engines is a massive technical challenge. To move away from using airplane fuels with lead, we can start by searching for new fuels that don't have lead and making sure they're safe to use by getting approval from aviation authorities. It would also help if we encourage airplane owners to switch by offering them benefits or support through government or industry programs. Creating stronger rules against using leaded fuels and providing rewards or penalties based on

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