Systems and methods involving improved fuel atomization in air blast fuel nozzles of gas turbine engines

Abstract

Systems and methods involving improved fuel atomization in air-blast fuel nozzles of gas turbine engines are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: providing fuel to a chamber defined by an inner surface; and continuously atomizing a portion of the fuel via interaction of the fuel with the inner surface.

1 . A method for atomizing fuel in a gas turbine engine comprising:
 providing fuel to a chamber defined by an inner surface; and   continuously atomizing at least a portion of the fuel via interaction of the fuel with the inner surface.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein, in providing the fuel to the chamber, at least some of the fuel is dispensed adjacent to the inner surface to form a film on the inner surface. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein, in providing the fuel to the chamber, at least some of the fuel is dispensed at a location spaced from the inner surface such that fuel dispensed from the location transits a flow of air located between the location and the inner surface. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising entraining a portion of the fuel in air passing through the chamber.