Device to accept axial forces occurring on fuel assemblies during the operation of nuclear reactors

In a nuclear reactor having upper and lower grid plates, protrusions projecting from the upper grid plate, and fuel assemblies with end fittings, wherein the fuel assemblies are positioned between the upper and lower grid plates, an improved arrangement for accepting axial forces comprising:

• a plurality of spring devices, each having a first bending arm, a torsion part, a second bending arm and an upset end;
• said torsion part fixed at one end to said first bending arm and at its other end to said second bending arm, and said second bending arm terminating in said upset end;
• each end fitting having a main body, a plurality of compression pieces, and guard plates;
• said main body having a plurality of grooves of a first type, a plurality of grooves of a second type, and a plurality of slots;
• each of said spring devices being disposed relative to the end fitting such that said first bending arm is embedded within a groove of said first type, said torsion part rests within a groove of said second type covered partly by one of said guard plates and clamped at its uncovered part by at least one of said compression pieces, said upset end extending through one of said slots;
• the fuel assembly being disposed such that said second bending arm is biased against the protrusion of the upper grid plate.