As an expert in the field of combustion and fire science, I've spent considerable time studying various types of fires, including those involving jet fuel. Jet fuel, which is typically a type of kerosene, is a highly refined petroleum product used to power aircraft engines. Understanding the temperature at which jet fuel burns is crucial for safety and operational considerations in aviation.

Jet fuel fires are indeed intense, but the temperature at which they burn is not as high as one might think. According to various studies and expert consensus, jet fuel burns at a temperature range of approximately 800 to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. This is significantly lower than the temperature required to melt steel, which is around 2750 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's important to clarify that the melting point of a material does not necessarily correlate with the temperature at which it loses structural integrity. Steel, for example, can lose a significant portion of its strength at temperatures far below its melting point. In the context of a structure like a building, the steel frame does not need to melt to cause a collapse; it merely needs to be exposed to temperatures that compromise its load-bearing capacity.

In the case of the World Trade Center towers, the jet fuel fires from the aircraft did not melt the steel, but they did contribute to the weakening of the building's structural integrity. The fires caused the steel to heat up and lose some of its strength, which, combined with the force of the impact and the nature of the building's design, led to the tragic collapse.

The temperature of a jet fuel fire is also influenced by several factors, including the amount of fuel available, the oxygen supply, and the presence of any barriers or obstructions that could affect the combustion process. In an open environment, jet fuel can burn quite hot, but the temperature can be moderated by the surrounding conditions.

Furthermore, it's worth noting that jet fuel fires are not just a concern for aviation. They can also occur in other contexts where kerosene or similar fuels are used. Understanding the behavior of these fires is essential for developing effective firefighting strategies and safety protocols.

In summary, while jet fuel fires are extremely hot and can reach temperatures of 800 to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit, they are not hot enough to melt steel. However, the heat generated by these fires can be sufficient to weaken the structural integrity of steel, contributing to the collapse of a building if other factors are also present.

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FACT: Jet fuel burns at 800-- to 1500--F, not hot enough to melt steel (2750--F). However, experts agree that for the towers to collapse, their steel frames didn't need to melt, they just had to lose some of their structural strength--and that required exposure to much less heat.Jul 31, 2017read more >>