Nuclear thermal propulsion fuel element packing device

A packing device for filling fuel elements with a powder through a fill aperture in an outer shell of the fuel element, comprising:

• a stationary base configured to be received on a support surface;
• a clamp assembly including a body defining a bore therein, the bore being configured to slidably receive a fuel element therein, and an adjustment member configured to exert force on a corresponding fuel element disposed within the bore of the body, wherein the clamp assembly is movable along a vertical axis with respect to the stationary base;
• a cam assembly including a cam and a drive motor configured to rotate the cam, wherein the cam assembly is mounted on the stationary base beneath the clamp assembly so that rotation of the cam alternatingly raises the clamp assembly up along the vertical axis and subsequently drops the clamp assembly;
• and
• a powder reservoir assembly including a powder reservoir, a fill needle in fluid communication with the powder reservoir, and a reservoir support that is adjustably secured to the body of the clamp assembly so that the powder reservoir can be adjusted vertically.