Spacer grid spring for increasing the conformal contact area with fuel rod
US8085895B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 2007 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A grid strap includes a spacer grid spring that increases the conformal contact area with a fuel rod of a nuclear fuel rod assembly. The shape of the spacer grid spring is optimized, thereby increasing the elasticity of the spacer grid spring contacting the fuel rod, expanding the conformal contact area with a contact portion between the spacer grid spring and fuel rod to obtain uniform stress distribution, and reducing excessive plastic deformation of the spacer grid spring. Further, magnitude and distribution of contact pressure between the fuel rod and the spacer grid spring are improved, thereby reducing the possibility of fretting wear caused by contact between the fuel rod and the spacer grid spring. Lastly, the elastic behavior region of the spacer grid spring is expanded, so that the fuel rod can be reliably supported until the fuel rod expires despite changes in the supporting conditions of the fuel rod.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.