Spacer grid spring for increasing the conformal contact area with fuel rod

A grid strap includes a spacer grid spring (14) that increases the conformal contact area with a fuel rod of a nuclear fuel rod assembly. The shape of the spacer grid spring (14) of the grid strap which is in contact with the fuel rod is optimized, thereby the elasticity of the spacer grid spring (1...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors YOON, KYUNG HO, PARK, KYUNG JIN, SONG, KEE NAM, LEE, KANG HEE, SONG, KUN WOO
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
French
German
Published 17.10.2007
Subjects
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
NUCLEAR PHYSICS
NUCLEAR REACTORS
PHYSICS
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Summary:A grid strap includes a spacer grid spring (14) that increases the conformal contact area with a fuel rod of a nuclear fuel rod assembly. The shape of the spacer grid spring (14) of the grid strap which is in contact with the fuel rod is optimized, thereby the elasticity of the spacer grid spring (14) contacting the fuel rod is increased, the conformal contact area with a contact portion of the spacer grid spring (14) contacting the fuel rod when the fuel rod is inserted into each cell of a spacer grid is expanded to obtain uniform stress distribution, and excessive plastic deformation of the spacer grid spring can be reduced. Further, magnitude and distribution of contact pressure between the fuel rod and the spacer grid spring (14) are improved, thereby reducing the possibility of fretting wear caused by contact between the fuel rod and the spacer grid spring (14). The elastic behavior region of the spacer grid spring (14) is expanded, so that the fuel rod can be reliably supported until the lifetime of the fuel rod expires despite changes in the supporting conditions of the fuel rod.
Bibliography:Application Number: EP20070290236