Support grid for fuel elements in a nuclear reactor

Patent · 31 December 1976

OSTI ID:862847

Finch, Lester M.

A support grid is provided for holding nuclear fuel rods in a rectangular array. Intersecting sheet metal strips are interconnected using opposing slots in the strips to form a rectangular cellular grid structure for engaging the sides of a multiplicity of fuel rods. Spring and dimple supports for engaging fuel and guide rods extending through each cell in the support grid are formed in the metal strips with the springs thus formed being characterized by nonlinear spring rates.

• Research Organization: Aerojet Nuclear Co., Idaho Falls, Idaho (United States). Idaho National Engineering Lab.
• Sponsoring Organization: US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
• DOE Contract Number: AT(10-1)-1375
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): 4,028,180
• Application Number: 05/667815
• OSTI ID: 862847
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

/376/976/
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