IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO FUEL ELEMENTS FOR NUCLEAR REACTORS

Patent · Wed Aug 24 04:00:00 EDT 1960

OSTI ID:4153652

Bowden, A T

Fuel elements in containers with welded end closures can be fabricated in such a way that stresses in the weld owing to differential expansion are greatly reduced. The fabrication consists of inserting a fuel element into a container in such a manner that the ends protrude beyond the element, end-closure members are then inserted into the protruding parts of the container. Closure is effected in the following way: Recesses are formed in one of the mating surfaces of the protruding parts and the other surface is caused by pressure to mold into the recesses, forming an interlock whereby the container and the end-closure members expand together. The top edges of the mating surfaces are then welded together. If the container and end-closure material is a magnesium alloy, the recess-containing surface may be hardened by anodizing. However, a non-hardened region must be left between the recess and the weld in onder to ensure a good weld. (D.L.C.)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-14-024540
• OSTI ID: 4153652
• Report Number(s): GB 845913
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English

Related Subjects

EXPANSION
FABRICATION
FUEL CANS
FUEL ELEMENTS
MAGNESIUM ALLOYS
METALS, CERAMICS, AND OTHER MATERIALS
STRESSES
WELDING