Jet fuel typically burns at open air temperatures around 1030°C (about 1890°F). However, the combustion temperature inside a jet engine can be much higher, with maximum flame temperatures around 2230°C (4050°F) under ideal conditions. The ignition temperature or autoignition temperature of jet fuel is approximately 210°C (410°F) depending on the specific type of jet fuel. Jet fuel burns hotter than gasoline and requires higher temperatures to ignite because it contains fewer volatile compounds and has a higher flashpoint. In air, burning hydrocarbons like jet fuel reach temperatures around 1000°C or more, though not as high as they would in pure oxygen. While jet fuel burns very hot, it does not burn hot enough to melt steel, which melts at temperatures between 1425°C and 1540°C (2600°F to 2800°F). Jet fuel's open flame temperature is insufficient to melt steel but can weaken it at high temperatures. In summary:
- Open air burn temperature: ~1030°C (1890°F)
- Maximum combustion flame temperature: ~2230°C (4050°F)
- Autoignition temperature: ~210°C (410°F)
- Steel melting point: ~1425-1540°C (2600-2800°F)
This explains why jet fuel provides high energy for jet engines while being distinct from fuels like gasoline in combustion characteristics.
