Yes, a jet engine can run on gasoline, although it is not the typical fuel used. Jet engines are designed to operate on kerosene-based fuels like Jet A or Jet A-1, which have specific properties that allow for efficient combustion in the engine. However, with some modifications, a jet engine can be made to run on other liquid hydrocarbon fuels, including gasoline.
The key requirements for a jet engine to operate on gasoline are:
Fuel system modifications
The fuel system would need to be altered to accommodate the different properties of gasoline, such as its lower flash point and viscosity compared to jet fuel.
Combustion chamber adjustments
The combustion chamber design may need to be modified to ensure proper atomization, vaporization, and ignition of the gasoline.
Engine control system updates
The engine control system would likely require programming changes to optimize the fuel-air mixture and other parameters for gasoline combustion.
While it is possible to run a jet engine on gasoline, it is not a common or recommended practice.
Jet engines are optimized for kerosene-based fuels, and using gasoline could result in decreased performance, efficiency, and potentially even damage to the engine over time. Jet fuel is the preferred choice for jet engine operation due to its superior properties for high-performance, high-altitude flight.