Importance

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Abstract

A nuclear fuel assembly grid includes a fuel rod engaging spring structure formed on each cell wall section of inner straps being interleaved with outer straps to form a matrix of fuel rod receiving cells in the grid. Each spring structure is composed of a pair of laterally spaced spring leg members each extending vertically and anchored at their respective pairs of opposite ends to the wall section and a fuel rod engaging cross spring member which extends diagonally between and integrally connects to the spring leg members. The leg members and cross member are respectfully curved and arched in configuration along respective longitudinal sections so as to project from the wall section toward the longitudinal axis of the grid cell. Further, the cross spring member is preferably disposed approximately forty-five degrees to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cell and to the direction of coolant fluid flow through the grid and fuel assembly in which the grid is used. The grid also includes fuel rod engaging dimples formed on each cell wall section of the inner straps. The dimples are oriented diagonally, preferably at forty-five degrees to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cell.

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First Claim