Support grid for fuel elements in a nuclear reactor

Patent · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1977

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
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 1976 Mar 16
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

support
grid
fuel
elements
nuclear
reactor
provided
holding
rods
rectangular
array
intersecting
sheet
metal
strips
interconnected
opposing
slots
form
cellular
structure
engaging
multiplicity
spring
dimple
supports
guide
extending
cell
formed
springs
characterized
nonlinear
rates
rods extending
sheet metal
fuel rods
fuel elements
fuel element
nuclear fuel
nuclear reactor
fuel rod
support grid
metal strips
metal strip
rectangular array
guide rods
grid structure
holding nuclear
spring rate
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