Nuclear reactor vessel support structure - with arcuate section yoke suspended by tie straps tolerating weld cracking, esp. for liq. metal cooled fast breeder

摘要

A pool type liquid metal cooled fast breeder nuclear reactor has a primary vessel with an annular yoke made of acurate segments. The yoke is suspended from the roof by a series of tie straps, outside the vessel. The fuel assembly is carried by a strongback supported from the yoke by further tie straps. Upwardly and downwardly extending legs on the yoke are connected to the prim. vessel. The construction provides a fuel assembly support which is tolerant of a certain amt. of damage. High load occurs in the straps, and failure of at least one strap is tolerable. The continuous portions of the structure are only lightly loaded.