NUCLEAR FUEL ASSEMBLY SUPPORT GRID

摘要

A spacer grid for a nuclear fuel assembly that exhibits increased crush strength. Each grid strap at the ligaments that support fuel rods has a spring or dimple to support the fuel rods under anticipated external loads during shipping and handling or in a seismic event. One or more elongated embossed ribs are provided on each of the fuel rod grid strap support ligaments to increase its moment of inertia by forming various shapes on the ligaments of the grid strap. Preferably, the ribs have a streamlined shape to prevent any excessive pressure drop. In this manner, the crush strength of a conventional short grid strap is increased without meaningful additional manufacturing costs or adverse effects to the neutron economy of the grid.