1976-12-08
1978-12-12
Nelson, Peter A.
G21C 302
Patent
active
041294777
ABSTRACT:
The invention is directed to an axially alignable nuclear fuel pellet of the type stacked in end-to-end relationship within a tubular cladding. Experience has shown that fuel cladding failures can occur at pellet interface locations due to mechanical interaction between misaligned fuel pellets and the cladding. Mechanical interaction between the cladding and the fuel pellets loads the cladding and causes increased cladding stresses. Nuclear fuel pellets constructed according to the invention are provided with an end structure that increases plastic deformation of the pellets at the interface between pellets so that lower alignment forces are required to straighten axially misaligned pellets. Plastic deformation of the pellet ends results in less interaction between the cladding and the fuel pellets and significantly lowers cladding stresses. The geometry of pellets constructed according to the invention also reduces alignment forces required to straighten fuel pellets that are tilted within the cladding. Plastic deformation of the pellets at the pellet interfaces in both axial and transverse directions is increased by providing pellets with at least one end face having a centrally-disposed raised area of generally convex shape so that the mean temperature and shear stress of the contact area is much higher than that of prior art pellets. Fuel pellets constructed according to the invention may be provided with one end having a centrally-disposed raised area and the opposite end flat or the opposite end may also be provided with a centrally-disposed raised area, or the opposite end may be provided wth a centrally-disposed depression having a depth less than the height of the raised area of an adjacent pellet.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3028329 (1962-04-01), Mahlmeister
patent: 3184392 (1965-05-01), Blake
patent: 3192621 (1965-07-01), Bauer et al.
patent: 3227622 (1966-01-01), White
patent: 3230152 (1966-01-01), Kerze, Jr.
patent: 3415911 (1968-12-01), Lloyd
patent: 3466226 (1969-09-01), Lass
patent: 3801451 (1974-04-01), Scharf
patent: 3804708 (1974-04-01), Nilson
patent: 3949027 (1976-04-01), Flipot et al.
Johansson Eric B.
Klahn Dale H.
Marlowe Mickey O.
General Electric Company
James, Jr. Ivor J.
Laub Sam E.
Nelson Peter A.
Turner Samuel E.
LandOfFree
Axially alignable nuclear fuel pellets does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Axially alignable nuclear fuel pellets, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Axially alignable nuclear fuel pellets will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-830438