Axially alignable nuclear fuel pellets
US4129477A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 1976 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention is directed to an axially alignable nuclear fuel pellet of the type stacked in end-to-end relationship within a tubular cladding. Experience has shown that fuel cladding failures can occur at pellet interface locations due to mechanical interaction between misaligned fuel pellets and the cladding. Mechanical interaction between the cladding and the fuel pellets loads the cladding and causes increased cladding stresses. Nuclear fuel pellets constructed according to the invention are provided with an end structure that increases plastic deformation of the pellets at the interface between pellets so that lower alignment forces are required to straighten axially misaligned pellets. Plastic deformation of the pellet ends results in less interaction between the cladding and the fuel pellets and significantly lowers cladding stresses. The geometry of pellets constructed according to the invention also reduces alignment forces required to straighten fuel pellets that are tilted within the cladding. Plastic deformation of the pellets at the pellet interfaces in both axial and transverse directions is increased by providing pellets with at least one end face having a centrally-…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.