Patent Number: 052767213
Section: abstract

A nuclear reactor fuel assembly includes two end plates having inner and outer surfaces Elongated, nuclear fuel-filled fuel rods are disposed between the inner surfaces and have longitudinal axes perpendicular to the inner surfaces. A leaf spring is disposed on the outer surface of one of the end plates and is bent at an acute angle defining first and second legs. The first leg is substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the one end plate and loosely engaged in an elongated guide groove formed in the one end plate. The second leg meets the outer surface of the one end plate at an acute angle and has an end rigidly secured to the outer surface of the one end plate. The first and second legs and the guide groove have longitudinal orientations together defining a plane. A supplementary spring is bent at an acute angle and disposed between the legs of the leaf spring. The supplementary spring has one end loosely engaged in the guide groove and another end loosely guided on the first leg of the leaf spring.