Supports for nuclear reactor pressure vessels

This invention concerns the supports for pressure vessels of nuclear reactors and particularly relates to a supporting system with articulated rods providing primary vertical and lateral support without obstructing the radial expansion or thermal contraction movements of the vessel. Pressure vessels of nuclear reactors have to be supported by structures that can adequately oppose their displacement and absorb the static, dynamic and thermal stresses appearing in normal operating conditions, as well as the worst possible load combinations likely to arise in the event of accidents or earthquakes. A correlation obviously exists between the design of the supporting structure and the reactor considered from various angles, particularly the size of the reactor and the purpose for which it is required, for example, ship propulsion or electric power generation