Spacer grid for reducing bowing in a nuclear fuel assembly
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United States of America Patent
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Apr 20, 1982
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Nov 29, 1979
filing date -
Nov 29, 1979
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
A bi-metallic spacer grid having a Zircaloy perimeter strip consisting of oppositely facing, thin walled metal plates for closely surrounding the array of fuel rods. A rigid, stainless steel cross member extends between internal surfaces of the oppositely facing perimeter plates. In the preferred embodiment, the perimeter plates have cantilevered portions extending above and below the main body of the perimeter strip. The cross members interact with the enlarged portion by urging them outward relative to the perimeter strip as the fuel assembly heats up during operation. The outwardly projecting interface surfaces of each assembly mechanically interact with the interface surfaces of adjacent assemblies providing a mechanical restraint which limits bowing of the assembly. The effectiveness of the spacer grids in limiting bowing is therefore not dependent upon controlling the mechanisms responsible for causing bow. When the reactor is in a cold condition such as during refueling, the exterior dimensions of the spacer grids are the same as those of the other Zircaloy grids, which assures adequate clearance for insertion and withdrawal of individual fuel assemblies.
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