The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Simulation of Jet Engine Performance using SAF Blends

This research uses exascale computing (PeleLMeX solver) to perform high-fidelity simulations of combustor performance using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends up to 100%. A validated, reduced two-component surrogate chemical kinetic model for HEFA-SPK (74 species) was developed. This simulation capability accelerates and de-risks the expensive, risky certification of newer SAFs beyond the current 50% blend limit. The framework supports the scale-up of promising candidates by mapping fuel properties to turbine performance.