Using additive manufacturing in creating a nuclear fuel structure with a shape corresponding to a mathematically-based periodic solid having a triply periodic minimal surface

A method of manufacturing a nuclear fuel segment, the method comprising:

• varying a parameter of a lattice structure of a first mathematically-based periodic solid to form a second mathematically-based periodic solid, wherein the second mathematically-based periodic solid comprises a triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) and wherein varying the parameter includes:
• varying a periodicity of the first mathematically-based periodic solid,
• varying a thickness of the first mathematically-based periodic solid, or
• varying a bias of the first mathematically-based periodic solid,
• where the bias relates to converging and diverging regions
• within the second mathematically-based periodic solid;
• embodying the second mathematically-based periodic solid in a gridded mesh;
• sectioning the gridded mesh into a plurality of layers;
• and
• using the plurality of layers to control an additive manufacturing process to deposit a fissionable fuel composition to manufacture a body having a structure with a shape corresponding to the second mathematically-based periodic solid.