Deutsch: Erdöl / Español: Petróleo / Português: Petróleo / Français: Pétrole / Italiano: Petrolio /
Petroleum, also known as crude oil, or simply oil, is a naturally occurring yellowish-black liquid mixture of mainly hydrocarbons, and is found in geological formations.
In the aerospace context, petroleum refers to a range of hydrocarbons that are used as a fuel source for aircraft and spacecraft. Some examples of how petroleum is used in aerospace include:
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Jet fuel: Jet fuel, also known as aviation turbine fuel, is a type of kerosene that is used to power aircraft. It is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, typically composed of between 10 and 20 different compounds.
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Rocket propellant: The fuel and oxidizer used in rocket engines are often derivatives of petroleum, such as RP-1 (Rocket Propellant-1), a highly refined form of kerosene.
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Lubricants: Petroleum-based lubricants are used in the moving parts of aircraft and spacecraft, such as gears, bearings, and engines, to reduce friction and wear.
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Hydraulic fluids: Petroleum-based hydraulic fluids are used in the systems that control the movement of aircraft and spacecraft, such as the flaps, ailerons, and rudder.
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Greases: Petroleum-based greases are used in aircraft and spacecraft to lubricate and protect exposed parts, such as gears and bearings, from moisture, dust and other contaminants.
It's worth noting that with the increasing concerns about the environment and the depletion of fossil fuels, there is a growing interest in developing alternative fuels for aerospace, such as biofuels and hydrogen.