As an expert in the field of combustion and fuels, I am well-versed in the properties and behavior of various substances under different conditions. Let's delve into the specifics of jet fuel and its explosiveness.

Jet fuel, commonly known as kerosene, is a type of hydrocarbon that is widely used in aviation for powering jet engines. The formulation of jet fuel is designed to meet the criteria of a combustible liquid rather than a flammable liquid. This distinction is important because it affects how the fuel behaves in the presence of an ignition source.

Combustible liquids are those that can ignite when mixed with air in the presence of an ignition source, but the ignition is not as immediate or as easily achieved as with flammable liquids. Jet fuel has a specific auto-ignition temperature, which is the temperature at which it will ignite without an external source of ignition. For commercial jet fuel, this temperature is approximately 410°F (210°C). This is a relatively high temperature, indicating that jet fuel is not as readily ignitable as some other substances.

Furthermore, the explosiveness of a substance is typically measured by its explosive limits, which are the concentrations in air that are necessary for an explosion to occur. For commercial jet fuel, these limits are from 0.6% to 4.7% by volume in air. This range indicates that the fuel can be explosive within these concentrations when mixed with air and exposed to an ignition source. However, it is important to note that these conditions must be met for an explosion to occur; the fuel is not inherently explosive under normal conditions.

The color and odor of commercial jet fuel are also noteworthy. It is a pale yellow liquid with a distinct petroleum odor. This odor can be an indicator of the presence of the fuel, which is important for safety and operational purposes.

In summary, while jet fuel is a combustible substance with specific explosive limits, it is not inherently explosive. It requires certain conditions, such as the right concentration in air and an ignition source, to become explosive. The formulation of jet fuel is carefully balanced to ensure it is safe and effective for use in aviation, taking into account the need for a high auto-ignition temperature and specific explosive limits.

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Kerosene is formulated to fit the definition of a combustible liquid rather than a flammable liquid. ... Commercial jet fuel is a pale yellow liquid with a petroleum odor. It has an auto-ignition temperature of 410--F (210--C). Its explosive limits are from 0.6 to 4.7 percent by volume in air.Oct 1, 2002read more >>