Final answer:
Jet A fuel is a kerosene-based aviation fuel with additives for performance improvement and is characterized by a flash point of 100° F and a low vapor pressure. Kerosene is derived from fractional distillation of crude oil and is valued for its clean-burning and heat-producing properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The jet propulsion fuel described in the student's question, which is nearly 100% kerosene with a flash point of 100° F and a low vapor pressure, is known as Jet A fuel. Jet A is a type of aviation fuel commonly used in civil commercial aviation. It's a kerosene-based fuel that has various additives to improve its performance, but its core component is kerosene, which is an alkane hydrocarbon obtained from fractional distillation of crude oil. This type of fuel offers a balance between adequate performance in a range of temperatures and safe handling characteristics.
Kerosene itself is known to be an effective fuel due to its ability to burn cleanly, producing significant heat. This characteristic makes it not only suitable for jet engines but also for several other applications, such as heating and powering diesel engines. In the aviation industry, the properties of kerosene-based jet fuels, such as flash point and vapor pressure, are crucial, as they need to be reliable under varying atmospheric conditions and at different altitudes.