They're quite similar, and, in fact, there are plenty of engines that can run interchangeably on either (though possibly with a shorter lifespan on pure kerosene - it doesn't have much of the lubricity of diesel, so is really hard on fuel pumps, injectors, etc).

But, yes, if you can make one, you can almost certainly make a good simulation of the other.

Jet and diesel are both kerosenes (particular range of problem distillate) with different additives, as is the stuff that goes in kerosene heaters.