FUEL PIN FOR A LIQUID-METAL-COOLED FAST-BREEDER NUCLEAR REACTOR

摘要

An inherently safe fuel pin for a liquid-metal-cooled fast-breeder nuclear reactor is designed so that axial movement of molten fuel is enhanced and return of the molten fuel to the fuel zone is prevented if a sudden reactivity insertion causes melting of the fuel. The fuel pin includes an annular upper blanket separated from a solid fuel zone by a conical nozzle the upper nose of which is welded into a grid plate which extends across the fuel pin and supports the annular upper blanket. Molten fuel is ejected into the central opening of the annular blanket through the conical nozzle which also prevents molten fuel from reentering the fuel zone.