How does a turbine engine fuel control meter fuel?

In turbine engine fuel control systems, fuel is metered in pounds. This choice is correct because turbine engines typically calculate airflow and fuel flow based on the mass of the fuels rather than in volume measurements. Pounds of fuel are essential for achieving the precise fuel-to-air ratio needed for optimal performance, ensuring efficient combustion and power generation.

Using mass as the unit of measure is critical because the density of fuel can vary with temperature and pressure, affecting the volume but not the mass. Consequently, metering fuel in pounds provides a more consistent and reliable method for managing the fuel supply in a turbine engine, facilitating more accurate control over engine performance under varying operating conditions.

While the other options represent valid units of measurement, they are more commonly associated with different contexts or types of fuel measurement that are less precise for turbine engines. For example, gallons per hour and liters of fuel focus on volumetric flow, which can lead to inaccuracies due to changes in fuel density. Cubic meters of fuel also presents similar issues, making pounds the most reliable choice for fuel control in turbine engines.