Nozzle having a slash face with a swept surface joining in an arc with a peak aligned with a stiffener

Abstract

To provide a nozzle, a nozzle system for a turbine system, and a turbine system including the nozzle assembly.SOLUTION: A nozzle (24) for a turbine system includes an airfoil (40), an inner sidewall (42), and an outer sidewall. Each of the inner sidewall and outer sidewall includes a peripheral edge (70) defining a pressure side slash face (72), a suction side slash face (74), a leading edge face (76), and a trailing edge face (78). At least one of the inner sidewall pressure side slash face, the inner sidewall suction side slash face, the outer sidewall pressure side slash face and the outer sidewall suction side slash face includes a first swept surface (100) extending at a first angle (102) relative to an axis of the turbine system, and a second swept surface (104) extending at a second angle (106) relative to the axis of the turbine system. The first and second swept surfaces meet at an arc having a peak that is circumferentially aligned with a stiffening member (90).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to turbine systems, such as gas turbine systems, and more particularly to nozzles in turbine systems having a slash face with a swept surface that intersects a stiffening member at a circumferentially aligned join line or an arc having a circumferentially aligned peak with the stiffening member. [Background technology]

[0002] Turbine systems are widely used in fields such as power generation. For example, a conventional gas turbine system includes a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. During operation of a gas turbine system, various components within the system are exposed to high-temperature flows and, in some cases, high-stress environments. One component of particular concern is the nozzle. A typical turbine section nozzle includes an airfoil portion extending between an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall. The periphery of the sidewalls, particularly the pressure and suction side slashfaces, requires minimal hot gaps between adjacent nozzles, e.g., along the unitary nozzle slashfaces. If hot deflections cause interference between adjacent nozzles, larger gaps may form, potentially leading to hot gas ingestion problems that can result in oxidation. This problem is exacerbated in advanced turbine systems that use fewer nozzles in a given turbine stage (e.g., 36 nozzles instead of 48 nozzles).

[0003] The slashface may have a "dogleg" profile, which includes two linear sections that intersect to define an angle between them. The dogleg profile is arranged to provide a shape that allows the airfoil to be easily bonded to the sidewall, but does not address high-temperature distortion that can lead to interference between nozzles. In a dogleg profile, the dogleg is generally concave in shape, creating a higher stress concentration area at the intersection between the linear sections. Additionally, the greater concavity of the dogleg slashface shape results in an increase in the overall slashface length and leakage that adversely affects gas turbine performance. To reduce the stress concentration level, a relief radius is introduced at the intersection of the concave shape.

[0004] Alternatively, the slashface may have a linear profile. For example, some edges have a unique linear profile that extends across the entire slashface. The unique linear profile eliminates high stress concentrations at intersections. However, constructing a slashface with a unique linear profile does not address various high temperature deflections.

[0005] Fully curved slash faces have also been employed, but are difficult to manufacture, do not adequately address the issue of high temperature deflection, and result in large gaps between adjacent slash faces. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a nozzle for a turbine system, the nozzle comprising: an airfoil including an external surface defining a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, the airfoil further defining a tip and a root; an inner sidewall connected to the airfoil at the tip, the inner sidewall including a periphery defining a pressure side slashface, a suction side slashface, a leading edge surface, and a trailing edge surface; an outer sidewall connected to the airfoil at the root, the outer sidewall including a periphery defining a pressure side slashface, a suction side slashface, a leading edge surface, and a trailing edge surface; a reinforcing member extending circumferentially on at least one of the radially inner side of the sidewall and the radially outer side of the outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the pressure side slashface of the inner sidewall, the suction side slashface of the inner sidewall, the pressure side slashface of the outer sidewall, or the suction side slashface of the outer sidewall includes a first swept surface extending at a first angle relative to the nominal slashface angle and a second swept surface extending at a second angle relative to the nominal slashface angle, the first swept surface and the second swept surface intersecting at a juncture line circumferentially aligned with the reinforcing member.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a nozzle assembly for a turbine system, the nozzle assembly comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged in an annular array and defining a hot gas path, each of the plurality of nozzles comprising: an airfoil including an outer surface defining a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, the airfoil further defining a tip and a root; an inner sidewall connected to the airfoil at the tip, the inner sidewall including a periphery defining a pressure side slashface, a suction side slashface, a leading edge surface, and a trailing edge surface; and an outer sidewall connected to the airfoil at the root, the inner sidewall including a periphery defining a pressure side slashface, a suction side slashface, a leading edge surface, and a trailing edge surface. and a stiffening member extending circumferentially on at least one of the radially inner side of the inner sidewall and the radially outer side of the outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the pressure side slashface of the inner sidewall, the suction side slashface of the inner sidewall, the pressure side slashface of the outer sidewall, or the suction side slashface of the outer sidewall includes a first swept surface extending at a first angle relative to a nominal slashface angle and a second swept surface extending at a second angle relative to the nominal slashface angle, wherein the first swept surface and the second swept surface intersect at a juncture that is circumferentially aligned with the stiffening member.

[0008] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a gas turbine system, the gas turbine system comprising: a compressor section, a combustor section, and a turbine section, the turbine section including a plurality of turbine stages, at least one of the plurality of turbine stages including a nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly comprising: a plurality of nozzles arranged in an annular array and defining a hot gas path, each of the plurality of nozzles including: an airfoil including an outer surface defining a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, the airfoil further defining a tip and a root; an inner sidewall connected to the airfoil at the tip, the inner sidewall including a circumferential edge defining a pressure side slashface, a suction side slashface, a leading edge surface, and a trailing edge surface; a plurality of nozzles comprising: an outer sidewall including a circumferential edge defining a pressure side slashface, a suction side slashface, a leading edge surface, and a trailing edge surface; and a stiffening member extending circumferentially on at least one of a radially inner side surface of the inner sidewall and a radially outer side surface of the outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the inner sidewall pressure side slashface, the inner sidewall suction side slashface, the outer sidewall pressure side slashface, or the outer sidewall suction side slashface includes a first swept surface extending at a first angle relative to a nominal slashface angle and a second swept surface extending at a second angle relative to the nominal slashface angle, the first swept surface and the second swept surface intersecting at a juncture line circumferentially aligned with the stiffening member, and each sidewall extends over an arc of greater than 7° in an annular array.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a nozzle for a turbine system, the nozzle comprising: an airfoil including an external surface defining a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, the airfoil further defining a tip and a root; an inner sidewall connected to the airfoil at the tip, the inner sidewall including a periphery defining a pressure side slashface, a suction side slashface, a leading edge surface, and a trailing edge surface; an outer sidewall connected to the airfoil at the root, the outer sidewall including a periphery defining a pressure side slashface, a suction side slashface, a leading edge surface, and a trailing edge surface; and a circumferentially extending reinforcing member on at least one of the radially inner side surface of the outer sidewall and the radially outer side surface of the outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the pressure side slashface of the inner sidewall, the suction side slashface of the inner sidewall, the pressure side slashface of the outer sidewall, or the suction side slashface of the outer sidewall includes a first swept surface extending at a first angle relative to the nominal slashface angle and a second swept surface extending at a second angle relative to the nominal slashface angle, the first swept surface and the second swept surface intersecting in an arc having a peak circumferentially aligned with the reinforcing member.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a nozzle assembly for a turbine system, the nozzle assembly comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged in an annular array and defining a hot gas path, each of the plurality of nozzles comprising: an airfoil including an outer surface defining a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, the airfoil further defining a tip and a root; an inner sidewall connected to the airfoil at the tip, the inner sidewall including a periphery defining a pressure side slashface, a suction side slashface, a leading edge surface, and a trailing edge surface; and an outer sidewall connected to the airfoil at the root, the inner sidewall including a periphery defining a pressure side slashface, a suction side slashface, a leading edge surface, and a trailing edge surface. a plurality of nozzles including an outer sidewall including a peripheral edge defining an edge surface; and a reinforcing member extending circumferentially on at least one of the radially inner side of the inner sidewall and the radially outer side of the outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the pressure side slashface of the inner sidewall, the suction side slashface of the inner sidewall, the pressure side slashface of the outer sidewall, or the suction side slashface of the outer sidewall includes a first swept surface extending at a first angle relative to a nominal slashface angle and a second swept surface extending at a second angle relative to the nominal slashface angle, the first swept surface and the second swept surface intersecting in an arc having a peak circumferentially aligned with the reinforcing member.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides a gas turbine system, the gas turbine system comprising: a compressor section, a combustor section, and a turbine section, the turbine section including a plurality of turbine stages, at least one of the plurality of turbine stages including a nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged in an annular array and defining a hot gas path, each of the plurality of nozzles comprising: an airfoil including an outer surface defining a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, the airfoil further defining a tip and a root; an inner sidewall connected to the airfoil at the tip, the inner sidewall including a circumferential edge defining a pressure side slashface, a suction side slashface, a leading edge surface, and a trailing edge surface; and an outer sidewall connected to the airfoil at the root. the nozzles comprising: an outer sidewall including a circumferential edge defining a pressure side slashface, a suction side slashface, a leading edge surface, and a trailing edge surface; and a stiffening member extending circumferentially on at least one of a radially inner side surface of the inner sidewall and a radially outer side surface of the outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the inner sidewall pressure side slashface, the inner sidewall suction side slashface, the outer sidewall pressure side slashface, or the outer sidewall suction side slashface includes a first swept surface extending at a first angle relative to a nominal slashface angle and a second swept surface extending at a second angle relative to the nominal slashface angle, the first swept surface and the second swept surface intersecting in an arc having a peak circumferentially aligned with the stiffening member, and each sidewall extends in an arc of greater than 7° in an annular array.

[0012] The exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are designed to solve the problems described herein and / or other problems not discussed.

[0013] These and other features of the present disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a gas turbine system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a turbine section of a gas turbine system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the nozzle of FIG. 3 inverted according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the inner sidewall of the nozzle taken along line XX of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a top view of the outer sidewall of the nozzle along line YY of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an inner sidewall of a nozzle (a view similar to that taken along line XX in FIG. 3) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a top view of an outer sidewall of a nozzle (a view similar to that taken along line YY in FIG. 3) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an inner sidewall of a nozzle (a view similar to that taken along line XX in FIG. 3) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a top view of an outer sidewall of a nozzle (a view similar to that taken along line YY in FIG. 3) according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an inner sidewall of a nozzle (a view similar to that taken along line XX in FIG. 3) according to an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a top view of an outer sidewall of a nozzle (a view similar to that taken along line YY in FIG. 3) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a nozzle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the nozzle of FIG. 13 inverted according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the inner sidewall of the nozzle taken along line XX of FIG. 13 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a top view of the outer sidewall of the nozzle along line YY of FIG. 13 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 13A is a cross-sectional view of an inner sidewall of a nozzle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (a view similar to that taken along line XX in FIG. 13). [Figure 18] FIG. 14 is a top view of an outer sidewall of a nozzle (a view similar to that taken along line YY in FIG. 13) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] 13A is a cross-sectional view of an inner sidewall of a nozzle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (a view similar to that along XX in FIG. 13). [Figure 20] FIG. 14 is a top view of an outer sidewall of a nozzle (a view similar to that taken along line YY in FIG. 13) according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an inner sidewall of a nozzle (a view similar to that taken along line XX in FIG. 3) according to an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a top view of an outer sidewall of a nozzle (a view similar to that taken along line YY in FIG. 3) according to an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] It should be noted that the drawings of the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale. In some cases, the shape, size, and the like of features may be exaggerated for purposes of illustration and understanding. The drawings are intended to illustrate only typical aspects of the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements between the drawings.

[0016] As an initial issue, a clear explanation of the current state of the art necessitates the selection of specific terminology when referring to and describing relevant mechanical components within a turbine system. Wherever possible, common industry terminology is used and utilized consistent with its accepted meaning. Unless otherwise noted, such terminology should be given a broad interpretation consistent with the context of this application and the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in many cases, a particular component may be referred to using several different or overlapping terms. What may be described herein as a single component may include and be referred to in other contexts as consisting of multiple components. Alternatively, what may be described herein as comprising multiple components may be referred to elsewhere as a single component.

[0017] Additionally, several descriptive terms may be used regularly herein, and it will prove useful to define these terms at the beginning of this section. These terms and their definitions are as follows, unless otherwise stated: As used herein, "downstream" and "upstream" are terms that indicate a direction relative to the flow of a working fluid through a turbine engine, or a fluid such as, for example, the flow of air through a combustor or a coolant through one of the turbine's component systems. The term "downstream" corresponds to the direction of fluid flow, and the term "upstream" refers to the opposite direction of flow. The terms "forward" and "aft," unless otherwise specified, refer to directions, with "forward" referring to the forward or compressor end of the engine and "aft" referring to the rear or turbine end of the engine.

[0018] It is often desired to describe components located at different radial positions relative to the central axis. The term "radial" refers to movement or position perpendicular to the axis. In such cases, if a first component is located closer to the axis than a second component, the first component may be referred to herein as being "radially inward" or "inward" of the second component. Conversely, if a first component is located farther from the axis than the second component, the first component may be referred to herein as being "radially outward" or "outward" of the second component. The term "axial" refers to movement or position parallel to the axis. Finally, the term "circumferential" refers to movement or position around the axis. It will be understood that such terms may be applied relative to the central axis of the turbine.

[0019] Additionally, as noted below, certain descriptive terms may be used herein in a conventional manner: the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to denote the location or importance of the individual components.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or sets thereof. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently-stated event or circumstance may or may not occur, and the description is meant to include instances in which the event occurs and instances in which it does not occur.

[0021] When an element or layer is referred to as "on," "engaged," "connected," or "coupled" to another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly on," "directly engaged," "directly connected," or "directly coupled" to another element or layer, there may not be intervening elements or layers. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent to" versus "directly adjacent to," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] Embodiments of the present technology provide a nozzle, a nozzle system for a turbine system, and a turbine system including a nozzle assembly. The nozzle includes an airfoil, an inner sidewall, and an outer sidewall. Each of the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall includes a circumferential edge defining a pressure side slashface, a suction side slashface, a leading edge surface, and a trailing edge surface. The nozzle may also include a stiffening member extending circumferentially on at least one of a radially inner side surface of the inner sidewall and a radially outer side surface of the outer sidewall. At least one of the pressure side slashface of the inner sidewall, the suction side slashface of the inner sidewall, the pressure side slashface of the outer sidewall, or the suction side slashface of the outer sidewall includes a first swept surface extending at a first angle relative to a nominal slashface angle and a second swept surface extending at a second angle relative to the nominal slashface angle. In certain embodiments, the first and second swept surfaces intersect at a juncture line circumferentially aligned with the stiffening member. In another embodiment, the first and second swept surfaces meet at an arc with a peak circumferentially aligned with the stiffener. The swept surfaces provide different gap distances between adjacent nozzle slashfaces to accommodate different high-temperature strains along the axial length of the slashface. The location of the join line or arc peak, circumferentially aligned with the stiffener, provides stress relief, accommodates high-temperature strains as needed, and minimizes interference between nozzles.

[0023] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gas turbine system 10. It should be understood that the turbine system 10 of the present disclosure need not be a gas turbine system 10, but rather may be any suitable turbine system 10, such as a steam turbine system or other suitable system. The gas turbine system 10 may include a compressor section 12, a combustor section 14, and a turbine section 16. The compressor section 12 and the turbine section 16 may be coupled by a shaft 18. The shaft 18 may be a single shaft or multiple shaft segments coupled together to form the shaft 18. The shaft defines a turbine axis TA of the turbine system 10.

[0024] As commonly known in the art, air or another suitable working fluid flows through the compressor section 12 and is compressed. The compressed working fluid is then delivered to the combustor section 14 where it is combined with fuel and burned to generate hot combustion gases. After the hot combustion gases flow through the combustor section 14, they may flow into and through the turbine section 16.

[0025] 2 illustrates one embodiment of a portion of a turbine section 16 in accordance with the present disclosure. A hot gas path 20 may be defined within the turbine section 16. Various hot gas path components, such as a shroud 22, nozzles 24, and blades 26, may be at least partially disposed in the hot gas path 20. For example, as shown, the turbine section 16 may include a plurality of blades 26 and a plurality of nozzles 24. Each of the plurality of blades 26 and nozzles 24 may be at least partially disposed in the hot gas path 20. Furthermore, the plurality of blades 26 and the plurality of nozzles 24 may be arranged in one or more annular arrays, each of which may define a portion of the hot gas path 20.

[0026] The turbine section 16 may include multiple turbine stages. Each stage may include a plurality of nozzles 24 arranged in an annular array and a plurality of blades 26 arranged in an annular array. For example, in one embodiment, the turbine section 16 may have three stages, as shown in FIG. 2 . For example, a first stage of the turbine section 16 may include a first stage nozzle assembly 31 and a first stage blade assembly 32. The nozzle assembly 31 may include a plurality of nozzles 24 arranged circumferentially around and fixed to the shaft 18. The blade assembly 32 may include a plurality of blades 26 arranged circumferentially around and coupled to the shaft 18.

[0027] The second stage turbine section 16 may include a second stage nozzle assembly 33 and a second stage blade assembly 34. The nozzles 24 included in the nozzle assembly 33 may be circumferentially disposed about and fixed to the shaft 18. The blade assembly 34 may include blades 26 included in the blade assembly 34 may be circumferentially disposed about and coupled to the shaft 18. Thus, the second stage nozzle assembly 33 is positioned along the hot gas path 20 between the first stage blade assembly 32 and the second stage blade assembly 34.

[0028] The third stage turbine section 16 may include a third stage nozzle assembly 35 and a third stage blade assembly 36. The nozzles 24 included in the nozzle assembly 35 may be circumferentially disposed about and fixed to the shaft 18. The blades 26 included in the blade assembly 36 may be circumferentially disposed about and coupled to the shaft 18. Thus, the third stage nozzle assembly 35 is positioned along the hot gas path 20 between the second stage blade assembly 34 and the third stage blade assembly 36.

[0029] It should be understood that the turbine section 16 is not limited to three stages, but rather any number of stages is within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the nozzles 24, 224 (latter in FIG. 13 ) according to the present disclosure are not limited to components within the turbine section 16. Rather, the nozzles 24, 224 may be components at least partially disposed in a flowpath for the compressor section 12 or any other suitable section of the turbine system 10.

[0030] Figure 3 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of a nozzle 24 for turbine system 10, and Figure 4 shows an inverted side perspective view of nozzle 24 of Figure 3. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of nozzle 24 along line XX of Figure 3, and Figure 6 shows a top view of nozzle 24 along line YY of Figure 3.

[0031] In the exemplary embodiment, nozzle 24 is utilized in turbine section 16 of turbine system 10 and is therefore included in a nozzle assembly. Moreover, nozzle 24 is a first stage nozzle 24 in the exemplary embodiment and is therefore utilized in first stage nozzle assembly 31. However, in other embodiments, nozzle 24 may be a second stage nozzle 24 utilized in second stage nozzle assembly 33, a third stage nozzle 24 utilized in third stage nozzle assembly 35, or any other suitable nozzle utilized in any suitable stage or other assembly in turbine section 16, compressor section 12, etc.

[0032] As shown, a nozzle 24 according to the present disclosure includes an airfoil 40, an inner sidewall 42, and an outer sidewall 44. The airfoil 40 extends between and is connected to the inner and outer sidewalls 42, 44. The airfoil 40 includes an exterior surface defining a pressure side 52, a suction side 54, a leading edge 56, and a trailing edge 58. As commonly known, the pressure side 52 and the suction side 54 each generally extend between the leading edge 56 and the trailing edge 58. The airfoil 40 further defines and extends between a tip 62 and a root 64. The inner sidewall 42 is connected to the airfoil 40 at the tip 62, and the outer sidewall 44 is connected at the root 64.

[0033] As discussed, the sidewalls 42, 44 are connected to the airfoils 40. In some embodiments, the nozzle 24 is formed as a single, integral component, such as through casting or additive manufacturing, such that the sidewalls 42, 44 and the airfoils 40 are connected. In other embodiments, the airfoils 40 and the sidewalls 42, 44 are formed separately. In these embodiments, the airfoils 40 and the sidewalls 42, 44 may be welded, mechanically fastened, or otherwise connected together. As discussed, each nozzle 24 includes one or more airfoils 40. Each airfoil 40 extends between and is connected to the sidewalls 42, 44. One (as shown), two, three, four, or more airfoils 40 may be included in the nozzle 24, although only one is shown for the exemplary unitary body described herein for the first stage nozzle.

[0034] Additionally, as discussed, the nozzles 24 may be included in an annular array of nozzles 24 as a nozzle assembly (e.g., first-stage nozzle assembly 31). The annular array of nozzles extends around shaft 18, i.e., they are circumferentially fixed around shaft 18 to direct flow. Embodiments of the present disclosure may find particular applicability to nozzle assemblies including a smaller number of larger nozzles, e.g., 36 nozzles, rather than a larger number, such as 48, which may facilitate manufacturing and maintenance. In this case, each nozzle 24 may include sidewalls 42, 44 that arc greater than 7° of the annular array. In one example, a first-stage nozzle assembly 31 has such nozzles 24. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide slashfaces that address high-temperature distortion issues that may be significant when fewer nozzles with fewer slashfaces are used.

[0035] 3 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, inner sidewall 42 includes a perimeter 70. Perimeter 70 defines the perimeter of inner sidewall 42. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, perimeter 70 may include and define various faces that correspond to various surfaces of nozzle 24. For example, as shown, perimeter 70 may define a pressure side slashface 72, a suction side slashface 74, a leading edge face 76, and a trailing edge face 78.

[0036] Similarly, as shown in Figures 3 and the top view of Figure 6, outer sidewall 44 includes a perimeter 80. Perimeter 80 defines the perimeter of outer sidewall 44. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, perimeter 80 may include and define various faces that correspond to various surfaces of nozzle 24. For example, as shown, perimeter 80 may define a pressure side slashface 82, a suction side slashface 84, a leading edge face 86, and a trailing edge face 88.

[0037] As indicated by the legends and arrows in Figures 3 and 4, each slashface 72, 74, 82, 84 of each nozzle 24 is angled at a nominal slashface angle α relative to the turbine axis TA, i.e., rotor axis, of the turbine system. In a plan view, the orientation of each slashface 72, 74, 82, 84 is indicated in the drawings by line A. As used herein, "nominal slashface angle α" refers to the angle of the slashface 72, 74, 82, 84 relative to the radial airfoil stacking axis (R), which, in a plan view, extends through the center of gravity of the airfoil 40. ASA ) is the angle of each slashface 72, 74, 82, 84 relative to the turbine axis TA of the turbine system. A nominal slashface angle α is substituted for each planar slashface. Depending on the turbine system, the nominal slashface angle α may be between 30° and 40°. As described herein, the swept slashfaces are angled relative to the nominal slashface angle α.

[0038] 3, each nozzle 24 may also include a reinforcing member 90 extending circumferentially on at least one of a radially inner side surface 92 of the inner sidewall 42 and a radially outer side surface 94 of the outer sidewall 44. That is, the reinforcing member 90 may extend circumferentially on the radially inner side surface 92 of the inner sidewall 42 and / or the radially outer side surface 94 of the outer sidewall 44. It should be noted that FIG. 4 shows FIG. 3 in an inverted or reversed position, in which the radial positions of the sides 92, 94 are reversed.

[0039] The reinforcing member 90 may include a single member or multiple members. The reinforcing member 90 may be any structure that extends circumferentially across the radially inner side 92 and / or radially outer side 94 of the inner and outer sidewalls 42, 44, respectively, to provide thicker material to reinforce the respective sidewall 42, 44 on which it is located. The reinforcing member 90 may extend circumferentially across all of the sidewalls or only a portion of the sidewalls 42, 44. The reinforcing member 90 may serve solely as a stiffener, but may also serve other functions, such as, but not limited to, acting as a mounting rail or axial load feature.

[0040] 5-6 , the stiffening members 90 are positioned between 50% and 100% of the chordwise length (CL) from the leading edge surface 76, 86 toward the trailing edge surface 78, 88 of the inner sidewall 42 and / or outer sidewall 44, respectively. That is, each stiffening member 90 is closer to the respective trailing edge surface 78, 88 than to the respective leading edge surface 76, 86. In another embodiment, the stiffening members 90 may be positioned between 60% and 75% of the chordwise length (CL) from the leading edge surface 76, 86 toward the trailing edge surface 78, 88 of the inner sidewall 42 and / or outer sidewall 44, respectively.

[0041] As discussed above, when the periphery of a nozzle has an unusually flat, dogleg, or curved slashface, high-temperature distortion can increase the gap between adjacent nozzles. To address this issue, in the exemplary embodiment best shown in Figures 5-12, at least one of the pressure side slashface 72 of the inner sidewall 42, the suction side slashface 74 of the inner sidewall 42, the pressure side slashface 82 of the outer sidewall 44, or the suction side slashface 84 of the outer sidewall 44 can include a first swept surface 100 extending at a first angle 102 relative to the nominal slashface angle α and a second swept surface 104 extending at a second angle 106 relative to the nominal slashface angle α. The first angle 102 faces forward, and the second angle 106 faces aft.

[0042] In contrast to a conventional dogleg profile, the first swept surface 100 and the second swept surface 104 are circumferentially aligned with the stiffening member 90, i.e., meet at a bond line 110 in a direction about the axis TA. As used herein, "circumferentially aligned" means that the bond line 110 is axially between the axial extent of the stiffening member 90, e.g., extending left to right across the page as shown. The bond line 110 may extend generally radially relative to the axis TA of the turbine system 10. In this manner, the stiffening member 90 relieves and / or absorbs stresses that may be present at the slash face.

[0043] The swept surfaces 100, 104 may be linear. Relative to a nominal slash face angle α, the first angle 102 may be between 0.1° and 0.4°, and the second angle 106 may be between 0.1° and 0.4°. Because the nominal slash face angle α may be between 30° and 40°, the swept surfaces 100, 104 may be between 29.6° and 40.4° from the axis TA of the turbine system 10. The first angle 102 may be the same as or different from the second angle 106. The axis TA (shifted for illustrative purposes) of the turbine system 10 ( FIG. 1 ) is shown in FIGS. 5-12. At the end of each slash face 72, 74, 82, 84 having a swept surface 100, 104, the distance from where the normally planar slash face meets the leading edge 76, 86 or trailing edge 78, 88 of the sidewall 42, 44, respectively, can be, for example, 0.010 to 0.030 inches (0.25 millimeters (mm) to 0.76 mm). That is, 0.010 to 0.030 inches of material can be removed, for example, via milling, at the corners of the slash faces 72, 74, 82, 84 and the leading or trailing surfaces 76, 86, 78, 88 of the sidewall 42, 44 to form the swept surfaces 100, 104 at the desired angles 102, 106.

[0044] The slashfaces 72, 74, 82, 84, including the swept surfaces 100, 104, can be arranged in a number of ways. In one example shown in Figures 3-6, the pressure side slashface 72 of the inner sidewall 42 and the pressure side slashface 82 of the outer sidewall 44 each include a first swept surface 100 and a second swept surface 104. In contrast, the slashface 74 of the inner sidewall 42 and the suction side slashface 84 of the outer sidewall 44 each include a single planar surface 112. Thus, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the slashfaces 72, 82 are adjacent slashfaces 74, 84 of adjacent nozzles with planar slashface surfaces 112.

[0045] In other embodiments, only one of the pressure side slashface 72 of the inner sidewall 42, the suction side slashface 74 (shown) of the inner sidewall 42, the pressure side slashface 82 of the outer sidewall 44, or the suction side slashface 84 of the outer sidewall 44 includes the first swept surface 100 and the second swept surface 104. That is, any single slashface 72, 74, 82, 84 on the inner sidewall 42 or outer sidewall 44 may include the swept surfaces 100, 104. By way of example, in one embodiment having the inner and outer sidewalls 42, 44 shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the swept surfaces 100, 104 are present only on the pressure side slashface 72 of the inner sidewall 42 (FIG. 5). In this embodiment, both slashfaces 82 , 84 of the outer sidewall 44 ( FIG. 8 ) as well as the suction side slashface 74 of the inner sidewall 42 ( FIG. 5 ) have planar slashfaces 112 .

[0046] Alternatively, if the inner and outer sidewalls 42, 44 are as shown in Figures 6 and 7, respectively, the swept surfaces 100, 104 are present only on the pressure side slashface 82 of the outer sidewall 44 (Figure 6). Here, both slashfaces 72, 74 of the inner sidewall 42 (Figure 7) and the suction side slashface 84 of the outer sidewall (Figure 6) have planar slashfaces 112. In another example, if the outer and inner sidewalls 44, 42 are as shown in Figures 8 and 9, respectively, the swept surfaces 100, 104 are present only on the suction side slashface 74 of the inner sidewall 42 (Figure 9). Here, both slashfaces 82, 84 of the outer sidewall 44 (Figure 8) and the pressure side slashface 72 of the inner sidewall 42 (Figure 9) have planar slashfaces 112. In another example, if the inner and outer sidewalls 42, 44 are as shown in Figures 7 and 10, respectively, then the swept surfaces 100, 104 are present only on the suction side slashface 84 (Figure 10) of the outer sidewall 44. Here, both slashfaces 72, 74 of the inner sidewall 42 (Figure 7) as well as the pressure side slashface 82 of the outer sidewall 44 (Figure 10) have planar slashfaces 112.

[0047] In another embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 11 and Figures 7 and 12, only one sidewall on each nozzle 24 includes swept surfaces 100, 104 on both of its slashfaces. That is, both slashfaces on a given sidewall include swept surfaces 100, 104, while the other sidewall has a planar slashface. Figures 8 and 11 show an embodiment in which both the pressure side slashface 72 of the inner sidewall 42 and the suction side slashface 74 of the inner sidewall 42 include swept surfaces 100, 104 (Figure 11), and both slashfaces 82, 84 on the outer sidewall 44 of the same nozzle 24 include planar slashfaces 112 (Figure 8). In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, both the pressure side slashface 82 of the outer sidewall 44 (FIG. 12) and the suction side slashface 84 of the outer sidewall 44 include swept surfaces 100, 104, and both slashfaces 72, 74 on the inner sidewall 42 include planar slashfaces 112 (FIG. 7).

[0048] 13-22 illustrate another embodiment of the present disclosure that employs an arc 210 rather than a juncture line 110 (see, e.g., FIG. 5 ) where swept surfaces 100, 104 intersect. FIG. 13 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of a nozzle 224 for turbine system 10, and FIG. 14 illustrates an inverted side perspective view of nozzle 224 of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of nozzle 224 taken along line XX of FIG. 13, and FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of nozzle 224 taken along line YY of FIG. 13. In an exemplary embodiment, nozzle 224 can be used as described above with respect to nozzle 24. That is, nozzle 224 can be utilized in turbine section 16 of turbine system 10 and thus included in a nozzle assembly (e.g., first stage nozzle assembly 31, as shown in FIG. 2 ).

[0049] The nozzle 224 may include a structure similar to the nozzle 24. For example, the nozzle 224 may include an airfoil 40, an inner sidewall 242, and an outer sidewall 244, as described herein. The airfoil 40 may also include an exterior surface defining the pressure side 52, the suction side 54, the leading edge 56, and the trailing edge 58. The airfoil 40 also includes a tip 62 and a root 64. The nozzle 224 may be formed as described with respect to the nozzle 24. As discussed, the nozzles 224 may be included in an annular array of nozzles 224 as a nozzle assembly. The nozzles 224 may also find particular applicability in a nozzle assembly including a fewer number of larger nozzles, for example, 36 nozzles, rather than a greater number, such as 48. In this case, each nozzle 224 may include sidewalls 242, 244 that arc greater than 7° of the annular array. In one example, the first-stage nozzle assembly 31 has such nozzles 224.

[0050] 13 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 15 , inner sidewall 242 includes a perimeter 270 that defines the perimeter of inner sidewall 242. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, perimeter 270 may include and define various faces that correspond to various surfaces of nozzle 224. For example, as shown, perimeter 270 may define a pressure side slashface 272, a suction side slashface 274, a leading edge face 276, and a trailing edge face 278.

[0051] 13 and the top view of FIG. 16 , outer sidewall 244 includes a perimeter 280. Perimeter 280 defines the perimeter of outer sidewall 244. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, perimeter 280 may include and define various faces that correspond to various surfaces of nozzle 224. For example, as shown, perimeter 280 may define a pressure side slashface 282, a suction side slashface 284, a leading edge face 286, and a trailing edge face 288.

[0052] Each nozzle 224 may also include a reinforcing member 90 extending circumferentially on at least one of the radially inner side surface 92 of the inner sidewall 242 and the radially outer side surface 94 of the outer sidewall 244. That is, the reinforcing member 90 may extend circumferentially on the radially inner side surface 92 of the inner sidewall 242 and / or the radially outer side surface 94 of the outer sidewall 244. Note that FIG. 14 is a reversed or inverted image of FIG. 13, with the sides 92, 94 reversed. The reinforcing member 90 may be as previously described herein.

[0053] 15-16 , the stiffening members 90 are positioned between 50% and 100% of the chordwise length (CL) from the leading surface 276, 286 toward the trailing surface 278, 288 of the inner sidewall 242 and / or outer sidewall 244. That is, each stiffening member 90 is closer to the respective trailing surface 278, 288 than to the respective leading surface 276, 286. In another embodiment, the stiffening members 90 may be positioned between 60% and 75% of the chordwise length (CL) from the leading surface 276, 286 toward the trailing surface 278, 288 of the inner sidewall 242 and / or outer sidewall 244.

[0054] At least one of the pressure side slashface 272 of the inner sidewall 242, the suction side slashface 274 of the inner sidewall 242, the pressure side slashface 282 of the outer sidewall 244, or the suction side slashface 284 of the outer sidewall 244 may include a first swept surface 100 extending at a first angle 102 relative to the nominal slashface angle α and a second swept surface 104 extending at a second angle 106 relative to the nominal slashface angle α. In contrast to the profiles of the previous embodiment, the first swept surface 100 and the second swept surface 104 intersect with the stiffening member 90 in an arc 210 that is circumferentially aligned, i.e., has a peak in a direction about the turbine axis TA. As used herein, "circumferentially aligned" means that the peak of the arc 210 is axially between the axial extent of the stiffening member 90, e.g., extending from left to right across the page as shown. The peak of the arc 210 may extend generally radially relative to the turbine axis TA of the turbine system 10. In this manner, the reinforcing member 90 relieves and / or absorbs stresses that may be present. The arc 210 may be formed by milling and may be freeform or configured to fill a specific shape.

[0055] The swept surfaces 100, 104 may be linear except for the arc 210. The first angle 102 may be between 0.1° and 0.4°, and the second angle may be between 0.1° and 0.4°, relative to a nominal slash face angle α. The nominal slash face angle α is the same as that described with respect to FIGS. 3-12 (see the legends in FIGS. 13 and 14). Because the nominal slash face angle α may be between 30° and 40°, the swept surfaces 100, 104 may be between 29.6° and 40.4° from the axis TA of the turbine system 10. The first angle 102 may be the same as or different from the second angle 106. The arc 210 may have any desired radius that allows for blending of the surfaces 100, 104. At the end of each slash face 272, 274, 282, 284 having a swept surface 100, 104, the distance from where the normally planar slash face meets the respective leading or trailing surface 276, 286, 278, 288 of the sidewall 242, 244 can be, for example, 0.010 to 0.030 inches (0.25 millimeters (mm) to 0.76 mm). That is, 0.010 to 0.030 inches of material can be removed, for example, via milling, at the corners of the slash faces 272, 274, 282, 284 and the leading or trailing surfaces 276, 286 or trailing surfaces 278, 288 of the sidewall 242, 244 to form the swept surfaces 100, 104 at the desired angles 102, 106.

[0056] As described herein with respect to Figures 5-12, the slashfaces 272, 274, 282, 284, including swept surfaces 100, 104 that meet at an arc 210, can vary. Figures 13-22 show arrangements similar to those of Figures 5-12, but including an arc 210 rather than a join line 110. In one example shown in Figures 15 and 16, both the pressure side slashface 272 of the inner sidewall 242 and the pressure side slashface 282 of the outer sidewall 244 include a first swept surface 100 and a second swept surface 104. In contrast, the suction side slashface 274 of the inner sidewall 242 and the suction side slashface 84 of the outer sidewall 44 each include a single planar surface 112. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the slashfaces 272, 282 are adjacent slashfaces 274, 284 of adjacent nozzles 224 having planar slashface surfaces 112.

[0057] 15-20, only one of the pressure side slashface 272 of the inner sidewall 242, the suction side slashface 274 of the inner sidewall 242, the pressure side slashface 282 of the outer sidewall 244, or the suction side slashface 284 of the outer sidewall 244 includes the first swept surface 100 and the second swept surface 104. That is, any single slashface 272, 274, 282, 284 on the inner sidewall 242 or outer sidewall 244 may include the swept surfaces 100, 104. By way of example, in the exemplary embodiment in which the inner and outer sidewalls 242, 244 are as shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, respectively, the swept surfaces 100, 104 are present only on the pressure side slashface 272 of the inner sidewall 242 (FIG. 15). In this embodiment, both slashfaces 282 , 284 of the outer sidewall 244 ( FIG. 18 ) as well as the suction side slashface 274 of the inner sidewall 242 ( FIG. 15 ) have planar slashfaces 112 .

[0058] In another example, when the outer and inner sidewalls 244, 242 are as shown in Figures 16 and 17, respectively, the swept surfaces 100, 104 are only on the pressure side slashface 282 (Figure 16) of the outer sidewall 244. Here, both slashfaces 272, 274 of the inner sidewall 242 (Figure 17) and the suction side slashface 284 of the outer sidewall 244 (Figure 16) have planar slashfaces 112. In another example, when the outer and inner sidewalls 244, 242 are as shown in Figures 18 and 19, respectively, the swept surfaces 100, 104 are only on the suction side slashface 274 (Figure 19) of the inner sidewall 242. Here, both slashfaces 282, 284 of the outer sidewall 244 (FIG. 18), as well as the pressure side slashface 272 of the inner sidewall 242 (FIG. 19), have planar slashfaces 112. In a final example, when the inner and outer sidewalls 242, 244 are as shown in FIGS. 17 and 20, respectively, the swept surfaces 100, 104 are only present on the suction side slashface 284 (FIG. 20) of the outer sidewall 244. Here, both slashfaces 272, 274 of the inner sidewall 242 (FIG. 17), as well as the pressure side slashface 282 (FIG. 20), have planar slashfaces 112.

[0059] In another embodiment, illustrated by Figures 18 and 21 and Figures 17 and 22, only one sidewall on each nozzle 224 includes swept surfaces 100, 104 on both slashfaces. That is, both slashfaces on a given sidewall include swept surfaces 100, 104, while the other sidewall has a planar slashface. Figures 18 and 21 show an embodiment in which both the pressure side slashface 272 of the inner sidewall 242 and the suction side slashface 274 of the inner sidewall 242 include swept surfaces 100, 104 (Figure 21), and the outer sidewall 244 on the same nozzle 224 includes planar slashfaces 282, 284 (Figure 18). In contrast, as shown in Figures 17 and 22, both the pressure side slashface 282 of the outer sidewall 244 and the suction side slashface 284 of the outer sidewall 244 include swept surfaces 100, 104 (Figure 22), while the inner sidewall 242 on the same nozzle 224 includes planar slashfaces 272, 274 (Figure 17).

[0060] Regardless of their placement, the swept surfaces 100, 104, when installed in a turbine system, create a non-uniform gap distance GD ( FIG. 5 only) between the slash faces of adjacent nozzles 24, 224. The non-uniform gap distance GD can be customized for a particular nozzle 24, 224 and / or nozzle stage to accommodate any high-temperature distortion. In any case, the swept surfaces 100, 104 are advantageously located where each nozzle 24, 224 is stiffer and less susceptible to high-temperature distortion, i.e., where the sidewalls experience minimal growth or deflection relative to their original shape. The stiffening members 90 extend circumferentially on each nozzle 24, 224, increasing stiffness compared to areas without the stiffening members 90, resulting in minimal chord deflection observed in areas adjacent to or aligned with the stiffening members 90.

[0061] In contrast, if the sidewalls 42, 44, 242, 244 are less stiff, a greater distance is provided through the swept surfaces 100, 104 from the slash faces of adjacent nozzles 24, 224. As a result, additional gap space is provided to accommodate high temperature distortion, i.e., growth, deflection, thermal expansion, or other structural shifts, of the sidewalls 42, 44, 242, 244 when necessary to prevent nozzle-to-nozzle interference, and smaller gap space is provided when high temperature distortion is less likely to cause nozzle-to-nozzle interference.

[0062] As used herein throughout this specification and claims, approximation language can be applied to modify any quantitative expression that can reasonably vary without resulting in a change in the basic function involved. Thus, values ​​modified by terms such as "approximately," "about," and "substantially" are not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some instances, approximation language can correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Here, and throughout this specification and claims, range limitations are combinable and / or interchangeable, and unless the context and language dictate otherwise, such ranges are identified and include all subranges encompassed therein. "About," as applied to a particular value in a range, applies to both endpoints and can indicate + / - 10% of the stated value, unless specifically dependent on the precision of the instrument used to measure the value.

[0063] The corresponding structure, material, acts, and equivalents of all means-plus-function or step-plus-function elements in the following claims are intended to encompass any structure, material, or acts for performing that function in combination with other specifically claimed claim elements. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The present embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application of the disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure in its various embodiments with various modifications as suited to the particular uses envisioned. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 10 Gas Turbine System 12 Compressor Section 14 Combustor Section 16 Turbine Section 18 shaft 20 Hot Gas Path 22 Shroud 24 nozzles 26 blades 31 First stage nozzle assembly 32 First stage blade assembly 33 Second stage nozzle assembly 34 Second stage blade assembly 35 Third stage nozzle assembly 36 Third stage blade assembly 40 Airfoil 42 Inner sidewall 44 Outer side wall 52 positive pressure side 54 Negative pressure side 56 leading edge 58 Trailing edge 62 Tip 64 base 70 Periphery 72 Pressure side slash face 74 Suction side slash face 76 Leading Edge Surface / Leading Edge 78 Trailing edge surface / trailing edge 80 Periphery 82 Pressure side slash face 84 Suction side slash face 86 Leading Edge Surface / Leading Edge 88 Trailing edge surface / trailing edge 90 Reinforcement member 92 Radial inner side 94 Radial outer side 100 First Swept Surface 102 First Angle 104 Second Swept Surface 106 Second Angle 110 Joining line 112 Single Planar Surface / Planar Slash Surface 210 arc 224 nozzle 242 Inner sidewall 244 Outer side wall 270 Periphery 272 Pressure side slash face 274 Suction side slash face 276 Leading Edge Surface 278 Trailing edge surface 280 Periphery 282 Pressure side slash face 284 Suction side slash face 286 Leading Edge Surface 288 Trailing edge surface CL Chord axial length GD Non-uniform gap distance TA Turbine axis R ASA Radial airfoil stacking axis α Nominal slash face angle

Claims

1. A nozzle (24, 224) for a turbine system (10), the nozzle (24, 224) comprising: an airfoil (40) having an exterior surface defining a pressure side (52) and a suction side (54) extending between a leading edge (56) and a trailing edge (58), the airfoil (40) further defining a tip (62) and a root (64); an inner sidewall (42, 242) connected to the airfoil (40) at the tip (62), the inner sidewall (42, 242) including a periphery (70, 270) defining a pressure side slashface (72, 272), a suction side slashface (74, 274), a leading edge surface (76, 276), and a trailing edge surface (78, 278); an outer sidewall (44, 244) connected to the airfoil (40) at the root (64), the outer sidewall (44, 244) including a periphery (80, 280) defining a pressure side slashface (82, 282), a suction side slashface (84, 284), a leading edge surface (86, 286), and a trailing edge surface (88, 288); a reinforcing member (90) extending circumferentially on at least one of a radially inner side surface (92) of the inner sidewall (42, 242) and a radially outer side surface (94) of the outer sidewall (44, 244); It is equipped with each of the pressure side slashface (72,272) of the inner sidewall (42,242) and the pressure side slashface (82,282) of the outer sidewall (44,244) includes a first swept surface (100) extending at a first angle (102) relative to a nominal slashface angle (α) and a second swept surface (104) extending at a second angle (106) relative to the nominal slashface angle (α), wherein the first swept surface (100) and the second swept surface (104) intersect at an arc (210) having a peak circumferentially aligned with the reinforcing member (90); each of the suction side slashface (74, 274) of the inner sidewall (42, 242) and the suction side slashface (84, 284) of the outer sidewall (44, 244) includes a single planar surface (112); the reinforcing member (90) is located only between 50% and 100% of a chord axial length (CL) from the leading edge surface (76, 86, 276, 286) toward the trailing edge surface (78, 88, 278, 288) of at least one of the inner sidewall (42, 242) and the outer sidewall (44, 244).

2. A nozzle (24, 224) as described in claim 1, wherein when the nozzle (24, 224) is arranged in an annular array of a plurality of nozzles, each side wall (42, 242, 44, 244) extends in an arc of greater than 7° in the annular array.

3. 2. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the first swept surface and the second swept surface define a non-uniform gap distance between adjacent nozzle slash faces when installed in the turbine system.

4. 2. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the stiffening member is located only between 60% and 75% of a chord axial length from the leading edge surface of at least one of the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall toward the trailing edge surface.

5. A nozzle (24, 224) as described in claim 1, wherein the first angle (102) is 0.1° to 0.4° and the second angle (106) is 0.1° to 0.4° relative to the nominal slash face angle (α).

6. A nozzle assembly for a turbine system (10), comprising:

1. A nozzle assembly comprising a plurality of nozzles (24, 224) arranged in an annular array and defining a hot gas path (20), each of the plurality of nozzles (24, 224) being a nozzle (24, 224) as recited in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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