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

FUEL ELEMENT FOR NUCLEAR REACTORS

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4829610

A fuel element is designed which is particularly adapted for reactors of high power density used to generate steam for the production of electricity. The fuel element consists of inner and outer concentric tubes forming an annular chamber within which is contained fissionable fuel pellet segments, wedge members interposed between the fuel segments, and a spring which, acting with wedge members, urges said fuel pellets radially into contact against the inner surface of the outer tube. The wedge members may be a fertile material convertible into fissionable fuel material by absorbing neutrons emitted from the fissionable fuel pellet segments. The costly grinding of cylindrical fuel pellets to close tolerances for snug engagement is reduced because the need to finish the exact size is eliminated. (AEC)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-16-003933
Assignee:
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Patent Number(s):
US 3009869
OSTI ID:
4829610
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English