Radial neutron refelector

摘要

A radial neutron reflector for a water moderated nuclear reactor. The space surrounding the nuclear core is provided with a plurality of side-by-side stacked reflector roads having a square cross-sectional shape. Blocks of reflector material having axial grooves are fitted within a square enclosure. The assembly is subjected to high pressures and temperatures which collapse the enclosure onto the blocks eliminating the assembly clearance. The enclosure material flows into the grooves of the blocks leaving wrinkle-free surfaces over the flat remainder of the enclosure. Square shaped reflector rods result in high solid-to-void ratios in the radial reflector region of the reactor. The resulting grooves allow for coolant flow and cooling of the rods.