A FUEL ELEMENT AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A FUEL ELEMENT FOR A FUEL ASSEMBLY OF A NUCLEAR REACTOR

摘要

The present invention provides a fuel element for use in a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor and a method of manufacturing such a fuel element. The fuel element comprises a kernel that includes enriched uranium or plutonium; and a cladding enclosing the kernel, wherein the fuel element has a four-lobed profile that forms spiral ribs, and the spiral ribs have a pitch of axial twist of between 5% and 30% of a length of the fuel element.