IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO FUEL ELEMENTS FOR NUCLEAR REACTORS

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1958 · Nuclear Power

OSTI ID:4333399

Hall, W B; Davis, T

It is a known fact that as heat ratings in gas-cooled reactors increase, the optimum fin height on the fuel elements becomes shorter and shorter. Here is a glimpse of a possible advanced type of fuel element for a gas cooled reactor of high heat-rating. The inventors say that as the need for deep finning is reduced, so it becomes possible to consider accepting fuel element sheath materials having a reduced thermal conductivity and an increased neutron absorption so long as compensating advantages such as improved mechanical properties at high temperatures are obtained. One possibility is stainless steel. One form of element designed accordingly is described. The fins' are frustoconical in shape which give the element a different heat transfer performance according to which way up it is installed in the fuel channel. It is proposed to make these elements by casting the bar roughly to shape and then machining it. The sheath, in cylindrical form, would be slipped over the uranium bar and then rolled on to shape. End fittings are similar to those used at Calder but could obviously be adapted to particular needs. To increase turbulence, the sheath surface can be roughened and rings can be inserted in the channel. Another type of element to achieve the same object is also described. (auth)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-12-007057
• OSTI ID: 4333399
• Journal Information: Nuclear Power, Journal Name: Nuclear Power Vol. 3; ISSN 0546-8981; ISSN NUPOAS
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ABSORPTION
CONFIGURATION
CYLINDERS
FINS
FUEL ELEMENTS
GAS COOLANT
HEAT TRANSFER
HIGH TEMPERATURE
MECHANICS
NEUTRONS
PATENT
PATENTS
PREPARATION
REACTORS
STAINLESS STEELS
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
TURBULENCE
URANIUM