Nuclear fuel element and method for making same
AssigneeGeneral Atomic Company
InventorsGary N. Miertschin, Kenneth F. Powell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A nuclear fuel element and a method for making the fuel element are described. The fuel element comprises a graphite block in which elongated holes are filled with nuclear fuel. The nuclear fuel in each of the holes comprises a plurality of fuel rod segments which are, before firing, spaced from each other by a plurality of spacers. Upon firing, the spacer material gasifies, leaving unfilled gaps between the fuel rod segments.
Claims6
A nuclear fuel element comprising, a block comprised substantially of graphite and having opposite surfaces thereon, said block having a plurality of longitudinal passages therethrough for flowing coolant, said block having a plurality of elongated fuel holes therein separate from said longitudinal passages substantially parallel therewith extending from one of said opposite surfaces and terminating spaced from the other of said opposite surfaces, a plurality of substantially cylindrical fuel rod segments in each of said holes engaging the sides thereof with sufficient friction to hold said fuel rod segments in place axially in said holes but allowing said fuel rod segments to slide with respect to said block in response to differential shrinkage therebetween, said fuel rod segments being spaced axially along said holes, at least some of said segments being spaced from each other axially distances forming void spaces the total of which compensates for shrinkage of said block due to irradiation, and a plug closing each of said holes at said one of said opposite surfaces.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.