Importance

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Abstract

A flow deflector grid (10) for a nuclear fuel assembly, comprising a plurality of metal strips (12,14) which intersect in a regular array to form an egg-crate type lattice, which defines a plurality of coolant flow channels (16). Each channel has sidewalls (42,44) defined by the strips, a height dimension defined by the height of the strips, a plurality of corners (46) defined by the strip intersections (26), a channel central axis parallel to the height dimension, and a flow cross section normal to the channel axis for coaxially receiving a fuel rod (18) spaced within the channel sidewalls. A unitary flow deflector member (30) is attached to and situated in the corner of each channel so as to be cradled between first and second sidewalls. The deflector member has a hood portion which projects above the height dimension of the channel and which includes a substantially planar vane (66) extending obliquely upward from the first sidewall and oriented transversely to the channel axis, and a substantially planar flow containment wall (48) extending substantially vertically from the second sidewall to the vane. The deflector member also includes a lower, angled bracing portion (50,52) having a height substantially equal to the height dimension of the channel and being attached to and cradled in the corner of the channel, with the hood portion integrally projecting above the bracing portion.

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First Claim