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

Spacer grid assembly and locking mechanism

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5371887
A spacer grid assembly is disclosed for retaining a plurality of fuel rods in substantially parallel spaced relation, the spacer grids being formed with rhombic openings defining contact means for engaging from one to four fuel rods arranged in each opening, the spacer grids being of symmetric configuration with their rhombic openings being asymmetrically offset to permit inversion and relative rotation of the similar spacer grids for improved support of the fuel rods. An improved locking mechanism includes tie bars having chordal surfaces to facilitate their installation in slotted circular openings of the spacer grids, the tie rods being rotatable into locking engagement with the slotted openings.
Assignee:
Department of Energy
Patent Number(s):
US 4312706
OSTI ID:
5371887
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English