NUCLEAR FUEL ASSEMBLY WITH ARRAY OF REVOLVING SOCKETS Russian patent published in 2014 - IPC C07D303/04 

FIELD: physics, atomic power.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to design of nuclear reactor fuel assemblies. The fuel assembly has support arrays, having soft revolving sockets (28, 30) with a recess (66, 68, 70) in form of a "dog bone" opening and radial draw of the edges (72), perpendicular to the flow of heat carrier. The radial draw allows unobstructed passage of the fuel rod through a rounded edge into the flat section of contact with the socket rod. The symmetrical "dog bone" shape enables the socket to turn when loading the rod, thereby achieving better alignment between the socket and the fuel rod, thus minimising scratching. The "dog bone" shape also provides a socket with a large contact region to increase softness compared to a typical socket.

EFFECT: reduced contact stress and corrosive wear of fuel rods during operation of the reactor.

18 cl, 7 dwg