FUEL INJECTOR HAVING SPRAY DUCTS SIZED FOR OPTIMIZED SOOT REDUCTION

A fuel injector includes a nozzle body having spray orifices formed therein each defining a spray orifice diameter dimension (d), and a plurality of spray ducts each in spray path alignment with one of the plurality of spray orifices and including a duct outlet defining a duct exit diameter dimension (D). Each of the spray ducts defines, together with the respective one of the spray orifices, a relative spray area reduction (SAR) at the duct outlet. The ratio of D/d is at least 14, and the SAR is 80% or greater. The configuration provides reduced soot production. Related methodology is disclosed.