Nuclear fuel assembly support grid

Abstract

A nuclear fuel assembly support grid formed from a lattice structure having an egg-crate design with the interior lattice straps joined to a perimeter strap generally at least three locations along its length; with at least two of those locations being affixed by shear joints. The shear joints are formed from weld tabs extending from the ends of the interior lattice straps, at appropriate locations, which fit into corresponding slots in the perimeter strap. The weld tabs are then brazed or welded, as appropriate to the base metals being joined, after being inserted. The weld segments can be designed with twist tabs at their end, that can be deformed after being inserted into the corresponding slots in the peripheral strap, to hold the fixture in place while it is being bonded. In another embodiment, the interior lattice straps are joined to the perimeter strap by two shear joints formed respectively at the very top and bottom of the interface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.