Spacer Grids For Nuclear Reactor

摘要

A spacer grid includes intersecting straps defining cells with springs and dimples arranged to hold fuel rods passing through the cells. The direction of the springs switches at a switch point in the spacer grid that is not at the center of the spacer grid. The intersecting straps may include a first set of mutually parallel straps including a first transition strap and a second set of mutually parallel straps including a second transition strap, with the second set intersecting the first set. The springs of the first set of mutually parallel straps face away from the first transition strap, and the springs of the second set of mutually parallel straps face away from the second transition strap. The outer straps in some embodiments include dimples but not springs.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a spacer grid including a plurality of intersecting straps having springs and dimples formed into the straps, the intersecting straps defining cells with the springs and dimples arranged to engage fuel rods passing through the cells; wherein the direction of the springs switches at a switch point in the spacer grid that is not at the center of the spacer grid.