Patent Number: 043893694
Section: abstract

A grid for a nuclear reactor fuel assembly which includes two sets of interwoven straps which form square openings of egg-crate configuration. One set is placed on top the other with the openings in alignment to receive fuel rods. The vertically aligned square openings thus constitute single cells through which fuel rods are adapted to extend. The top edges of straps in the bottom grid are provided with narrow slots which extend in multiple rows diagonally across the grid when the straps are assembled. A spring, one for each row of diagonal slots, is threaded through the slots before the top grid is set in place. Each single cell contains two pairs of vertically spaced dimples on adjacent walls of the straps as in conventional construction. That portion of the spring, which extends through each cell, engages a side of the fuel rod in the cell and urges it into contact with the dimples, thus providing five points of support for each fuel rod which extends through the cells.