Chip sleeve for nuclear fuel elements

摘要

Means for preventing chip penetration of fractured ceramic fuel into the cladding of a fast spectrum nuclear reactor fuel element is disclosed. Included in the fuel element external to the pellet column but internal of the cladding is a woven cylinder or web of fine wire or of bandage wrapped metallic ribbons. The cylindrical web acts to retain ceramic chips in their positions so that they do not become lodged between the pellets and the clad: which condition could lead to clad failure.