Fuel element assembly

Abstract

A nuclear fuel assembly of the type having a plurality of nuclear fuel elements disposed in parallel, and forming a plurality of longitudinal flow channels, in a closely packed array is disclosed. Axially spaced longitudinal fins formed integrally on at least some of the fuel elements, at an angle with the fuel element axis, serve to divert coolant flowing longitudinally past the fuel elements between adjacent flow channels to promote mixing and even heating of the coolant. Each fin traverses the clearance between adjacent fuel elements, tangentially contacts the body of an adjacent fuel element, and is fixedly connected thereto. Sets of the axially spaced fins are fixedly connected to adjacent fuel elements, as described, in substantially the same transverse plane relative to the longitudinal axis of the fuel assembly. At the leading end of the fins, the relative flow rate diverted from adjacent flow channels alternates; and at the trailing end of the fins, the relative flow rate conveyed to adjacent flow channels also alternates; moreover, in a given flow channel the number of flow streams diverted and converged, at the leading and trailing fin edges, also alternates.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.