Use of shape memory alloys in fuel pellet holddown springs

Details Use of shape memory alloys in fuel pellet holddown springs Use of shape memory alloys in fuel pellet holddown springs

1992-09-25

1994-05-31

Walsh, Donald P.

Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements

Fuel component structure

Having particular end closure or seal

376412, G21C 310

Patent

active

053176120

ABSTRACT:
A composite holddown spring for applying an axial force to a fuel pellet stack in a nuclear reactor fuel rod. The composite holddown spring comprises a shape-memory alloy spring portion and a conventional metal spring portion. The shape-memory alloy spring portion has a two-way memory characteristic such that it contracts to a low temperature configuration at ambient temperatures wherein the axial force exerted by the shape-memory alloy spring portion is minimized and expands to a high temperature configuration at operating conditions wherein the axial force exerted by the shape-memory alloy spring portion is maximized. Somewhat conversely, the conventional metal spring portion weakens and contracts at operating temperature and strengthens and expands at atmospheric temperature.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4435229 (1984-03-01), Johnson
patent: 4659544 (1987-04-01), Sawayama et al.
patent: 4699757 (1987-10-01), Clone
patent: 4790624 (1988-12-01), Van Hoye et al.

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