Shape-memory alloys in the construction of nuclear fuel spacer grids
US5299246A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 1992 |
| Grant date | Mar 29, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fuel assembly supporting structure for a nuclear reactor fuel assembly which comprises a two-way shape-memory alloy. A shape-memory alloy is selected which has an overall transition temperature range substantially above atmospheric temperature and substantially below a temperature experienced by the shape-memory alloy under reactor operating conditions. By using a shape-memory alloy in the design, the support structure assumes a first configuration for securely supporting one or a plurality of nuclear reactor components at a temperature above the overall transition temperature range and assumes a second configuration for loosely engaging the reactor components below the transition temperature range.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.