Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A hollow water cross disposed in an outer flow channel of a fuel assembly so as to divide an array of fuel rods in the assembly into a plurality of subgroups is composed of a plurality of hollow panels which extend radially from a central axis of the water cross and define an open inner flow channel. The panels are interconnected at their outer ends with angularly displaced portions of the outer channel and at their inner ends with one another so as to define a central channel portion which extends the axial length of the water cross. The improvement relates to a cross brace disposed within the central channel portion of the water cross generally along the central axis thereof. The cross brace includes radially-extending portions which extend within and parallel to the respective water cross panels and interconnect with dimples formed in each panel so as to reinforce and stiffen the water cross and thereby the outer channel of the fuel assembly.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim