Abstract: Gas turbine engine systems and methods involving enhanced fuel dispersion are provided. In this regard, a representative method for operating a gas turbine engine includes: providing a gas path through the engine; introducing a spray of fuel along the gas path downstream of a turbine of the engine; and impinging the spray of fuel with a relatively higher velocity flow of air such that atomization of the fuel is increased.

Abstract: An annular combustor and a method for operating a gas turbine engine over a power demand range facilitate combustion in a lean direct ignition (LDI) mode over an extended range of operating fuel air ratios. The flow primary combustion air admitted into the primary combustion zone is varied in response to power demand from a maximum air flow rate of high power demand to a minimum flow air rate of low power demand, while the flow of dilution air into a quench zone downstream of the primary combustion zone is increased from a minimum air flow rate at high power demand to a maximum air flow rate at low power demand.

Abstract: A combustion duct for a gas turbine engine has a combustion liner to receive products of combustion, and deliver the products of combustion downstream toward a turbine rotor. An outer housing is positioned radially outwardly of the combustion liner. A flow sleeve is positioned radially intermediate the outer housing and the combustion liner. A chamber radially outwardly of the flow sleeve receives cooling air. A plurality of holes through the flow sleeve deliver cooling air from the chamber against an outer periphery of the combustion liner. A plurality of tabs are associated with at least some of the holes in the flow sleeve. The tabs are positioned to extend radially inwardly on a downstream side of the holes.

Abstract: An annular combustor and a method for operating a gas turbine engine over a power demand range facilitate combustion in a lean direct ignition (LDI) mode over an extended range of operating fuel air ratios. The flow primary combustion air admitted into the primary combustion zone is varied in response to power demand from a maximum air flow rate of high power demand to a minimum flow air rate of low power demand, while the flow of dilution air into a quench zone downstream of the primary combustion zone is increased from a minimum air flow rate at high power demand to a maximum air flow rate at low power demand.

Abstract: Gas turbine engine systems and methods involving enhanced fuel dispersion are provided. In this regard, a representative method for operating a gas turbine engine includes: providing a gas path through the engine; introducing a spray of fuel along the gas path downstream of a turbine of the engine; and impinging the spray of fuel with a relatively higher velocity flow of air such that atomization of the fuel is increased.

Abstract: A combustion duct for a gas turbine engine has a combustion liner to receive products of combustion, and deliver the products of combustion downstream toward a turbine rotor. An outer housing is positioned radially outwardly of the combustion liner. A flow sleeve is positioned radially intermediate the outer housing and the combustion liner. A chamber radially outwardly of the flow sleeve receives cooling air. A plurality of holes through the flow sleeve deliver cooling air from the chamber against an outer periphery of the combustion liner. A plurality of tabs are associated with at least some of the holes in the flow sleeve. The tabs are positioned to extend radially inwardly on a downstream side of the holes.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle guide and method of assembly/disassembly is disclosed with the nozzle guide having a frusto-conical hub section, an annular base, a pair of retaining tabs for securing the guide to the outer wall of a combustor bulkhead for limited movement relative to the bulkhead, and a radial inflow swirler. The method of assembly/disassembly comprises assembling/disassembling the nozzle guide in the bulkhead from the outer wall (cold) side of the bulkhead and mechanically connecting/disconnecting the nozzle guide to/from the outer wall of the bulkhead with mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel nozzle guide for use in gas turbine engines. The nozzle guide comprising an annular bushing sized for receiving a fuel nozzle, wherein the bushing has a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to a nozzle guide retainer. A flange extends radially from the second end of the bushing, wherein the flange has a proximal portion spaced proximal to the bushing, and a distal portion spaced distal from the bushing. The distal portion of the flange extends substantially parallel to a combustion chamber bulkhead heat shield. A plurality of radially extending ribs are disposed about the distal portion of the flange, each of the ribs having leading ends and trailing ends, wherein the trailing ends are arcuate in shape, thereby facilitating a reduction in film cooling air vortices as film cooling air passes between the ribs, and thereby assisting in the cooling of the bulkhead heat shield.