Axially modular fuel assembly and rod for optimal fuel utilization

This patent describes a modular fuel assembly. It comprises axially stacked end-to-end adjacent subassemblies; each of the subassemblies including elongated structural segments, a plurality of fuel rod segments and at least one support grid mounted to the structural segments and supporting the fuel rod segments; and means defined on opposite ends of the structural segments for releasably connecting together in axially aligned end-to-end relation the structural segments of the respective adjacent subassemblies to form elongated structural support members for providing a structural skeleton of the modular fuel assembly with the support grids of the respective adjacent subassemblies disposed in axially spaced relation relative to one another along the structural support members and the fuel rod segments of the respective adjacent subassemblies disposed in axially aligned end-to-end relation with each other