Spacing grid for nuclear reactor fuel element bundle - incorporates spring constituted by triangular cut=out in sheet forming grid holding element against rigid support in opposite sheet

摘要

Spacing grid for a bundle of fuel elements of a nuclear reactor assemblage comprises two sets of thin sheets parallel in each set and perpendicular from one set to the other to define cells of square section through each of which a fuel element passes. One sheet is least in each cell includes a spring holding the fuel elements against a rigid support made in the opposite face of the cell. Each spring is constituted of a tongue cut out in the thin sheet constituting the grid. Each tongue is connected to the sheet by a wide base and is in the form of a triangle. A stamping at the apex of the triangle transmits the force of the spring to the fuel element. The profile of the spring is completely effaced with the exception of the stamping in the thickness of the thin sheet when the fuel element is put into place. Grid is simple to fabricate and gives good circulation of the cooling fluid, good holding of the fuel elements and presents a small neutron absorption.