Instrumentation tube features for reduction of coolant flow-induced vibration of flux thimble tube
This patent describes a fuel assembly having an instrumentation tube with a hollow interior and a flux thimble tube inserted in the hollow interior of the instrumentation tube for taking flux measurements. The flux thimble tube radially spaced inwardly at its exterior surface from an interior surface of the instrumentation tube so as to define a coolant flow annulus therebetween. It comprises mechanical elements defined on the interior surface of the instrumentation tube in the hollow interior of the instrumentation tube at axially spaced points therealong for engaging the exterior surface of the flux thimble tube within the instrumentation tube and inducing a controlled elastic sinuous deflection of the thimble tube to reduce vibration thereof induced by coolant flow in the annulus between the instrumentation and thimble tubes.
- Assignee:
- Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (USA)
- Patent Number(s):
- A; US 4990304
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-302488
- OSTI ID:
- 6175301
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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