Method of replacing a functionality of a thermal shield flexure, a thermal shield flexure member, and a system including the same

A nuclear reactor thermal shield flexure member, comprising:

• a first face portion, wherein the first face portion defines a first set of openings configured to align with receptacles of a thermal shield and wherein the first face portion is configured to mechanically couple to the thermal shield;
• a second face portion, wherein the second face portion defines a second set of openings configured to align with openings of a core barrel, wherein the second face portion is configured to mechanically couple to the core barrel;
• and
• a third portion comprising a first leg portion connected to the first face portion and the second face portion, wherein the third portion comprises a first radiused element and a second radiused element, wherein the first radiused element is disposed between the first leg portion and the first face portion, wherein the second radiused element is directly connected to the first lea portion and the second face portion, and wherein the thermal shield flexure member is configured to provide:
• flexibility in an axial direction to accommodate differential axial expansions of the core barrel and the thermal shield;
• and
• rigidity in a radial direction to inhibit shell mode vibrations of at least one of the core barrel and the thermal shield.