Gas cooled nuclear fuel element
AssigneeThe Babcock & Wilcox Company
InventorsBilly E. Bingham, Richard V. Demars, William G. Pettus
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Abstract
A gas cooled nuclear fuel element. A plurality of progressively sized rigid porous cylinders nested together in coaxial alignment are provided with varying quantities of nuclear fuel to enhance the power density while remaining within temperature limitations of the fuel and base material.
Claims15
A gas cooled nuclear fuel element, comprising a plurality of rigid porous cylinders suitably sized for coaxial positioning of each of the smaller of said cylinders within the next largest cylinder, wherein said cylinders are provided with varying quantities of fissionable nuclear fuel to maximize the total power production within the element.
A process for preparing a gas cooled nuclear fuel element, comprising:
- a. selecting a retriculated vitreous carbon skeleton of appropriate pore and ligament size;
- b. depositing a fissile material on said skeleton;
- and
- c. subjecting said coated skeleton to high temperature whereby said fissile material is changed to its carbide form.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.