Fuel bundle assembly with reduced risk of damage

摘要

A fuel bundle for a nuclear reactor core is provided. The fuel bundle includes a plurality of rods comprised of nuclear fuel rods and/or isotope production rods. Each rod includes a plurality of interconnected rod segments. The fuel bundle additionally includes a plurality of rod spacer grids. The rod spacer grids form an array of substantially equally spaced rods. The rod spacer grids are securely retained between axially adjacent, interconnected rod segments.