Summary
This lesson was a very brief overview - there are entire classes based on this one lecture. In this lesson, we discussed the different transportation engines for vehicles, the fuels used for these vehicles, and how the fuels are produced from a refinery. Gasoline is the lighter fuel used in typical automobile engines, while diesel fuel is used in Diesel engines. Diesel engines get better fuel mileage than gasoline engines - gasoline is lighter than diesel. Here in the US, the primary fuel produced is gasoline (~45-50%).
Lesson Objectives Review
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- explain the chemistry of gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and fuel oil.
- describe the basics of how these fuels are made by converting from crude oil.
- discuss the utilization of these fuels in cars, trucks, aircraft, and various engine types.
- evaluate necessary fuel characteristics for various vehicle engines.
Questions?
If there is anything in the lesson materials that you would like to comment on, or don't quite understand, please post your thoughts and/or questions to our Throughout the Course Questions Comments discussion forum and/or set up an appointment during office hours. The discussion forum is checked regularly (Monday through Friday). While you are there, feel free to post responses to your classmates if you can help.