Nuclear reactor seismic fuel assembly grid
The strength of a nuclear reactor fuel assembly is enhanced by increasing the crush strength of the zircaloy spacer grids which locate and support the fuel elements in the fuel assembly. Increased resistance to deformation as a result of laterally directed forces is achieved by increasing the section modulus of the perimeter strip through bending the upper and lower edges thereof inwardly. The perimeter strip is further rigidized by forming, in the central portion thereof, dimples which extend inwardly with respect to the fuel assembly. The integrity of the spacer grid may also be enhanced by providing back-up arches for some or all of the integral fuel element locating springs and the strength of the fuel assembly may be further enhanced by providing, intermediate its ends, a steel seismic grid. 13 claims, 6 figures.
- Assignee:
- Combustion Engineering Inc.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4058436
- Application Number:
- TRN: 78-007429
- OSTI ID:
- 5175715
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 5 Dec 1975
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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