Patent Number: 042241065
Section: claims

1. A plate-type nuclear fuel element of the type comprising a fuel core constituted by a plurality of ceramic fuel wafers fitted in juxtaposed relation within a frame, each fuel wafer being provided with a metallic protective covering and placed between two metallic cladding plates, wherein a lateral covering is provided for each fuel wafer by means of a grid of thin wires fitted within the frame and each mesh of said grid has the shape and dimensions of a fuel wafer in order to serve as a housing for one of said wafers. 2. A fuel element according to claim 1, wherein the grid is made up of thin wires of a metal selected from the group comprising Zircaloy, aluminum and the aluminum alloys, said wires being joined together by electric welding and diffusion-bonded to the side plates which constitute the frame. 3. A fuel element according to claim 1, wherein the grid is surrounded on all four sides by a framing wire which is welded to the grid wires as well as to the side and end plates. 4. A fuel element according to claim 2, wherein the shape chosen for the grid meshes is reactangular. 5. A fuel element according to claim 2, wherein the wires constituting the grid have a circular section and a diameter of less than 2 millimeters. 6. A fuel element according to claim 2, wherein the shape chosen for the grid meshes is square.