FUEL ELEMENT FOR NUCLEAR REACTORS
Nuclear reactor fuel elements of the type in which the flssionsble material is in ceramic form, such as uranium dioxide, are described. The fuel element is comprised of elongated inner and outer concentric spaced tubular members providing an annular space therebetween for receiving the fissionable material, the annular space being closed at both ends and the inner tube being open at both ends. The fuel is in the form of compressed pellets of ceramic fissionsble material having the configuration of split bushings formed with wedge surfaces and arranged in seriated inner and outer concentric groups which are urged against the respective tubes in response to relative axial movement of the pellets in the direction toward each other. The pairs of pellets are axially urged together by a resilient means also enclosed within the annulus. This arrangement-permits relative axial displacement of the pellets during use dial stresses on the inner and outer tube members and yet maintains the fuel pellets in good thermal conductive relationship therewith.
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-023109
- Assignee:
- U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
- Patent Number(s):
- US 2992179
- OSTI ID:
- 4036309
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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