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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Fuel assembly for a nuclear reactor

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4097244
A description is given of a fuel assembly including multiple open channel grids for holding fuel rods and control rod guide thimbles in predetermined fixed relationship with each other. Metallic straps are interwoven to form a grid or egg crate configuration having openings which receive the fuel rods and guide thimbles. To properly support and cool the fuel rods near the grid-fuel rod interface, springs and dimples on the grid straps project into each opening, the dimples being oriented in a direction to permit flow of coolant upwardly therethrough. To minimize turbulence in coolant flow, the leading edge of each grid strap is provided with cutout sections which form scallops effective in channeling coolant in a uniform flow path through the network of grid openings. (Official Gazette)
Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-33-019608
Assignee:
to Westinghouse Electric Corp.
Patent Number(s):
US 3920515
OSTI ID:
4097244
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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