FUEL ELEMENT FOR A PRESSURIZED WATER NUCLEAR REACTOR

摘要

Disclosed is a fuel element (2) for a pressurized water nuclear reactor, comprising a fuel element base (12) and a support structure for a plurality of fuel rods (4), which is mounted on said fuel element base (12). Cooling water (K) flows between the fuel rods (4) in an axial direction (3), said cooling water (K) flowing into the fuel element base (12) at a non-homogeneous axial speed distribution. A flow-directing structure is provided in the area of the fuel element base (12) for homogenizing the axial speed distribution of the cooling water (K) that enters between the fuel rods (4), thus reducing the risk of the fuel rods being subjected to flow-induced vibrations.