Nuclear fuel rods

Purpose: To avoid reduction of fracture stresses in fuel cans by applying a beryllium-copper thin layer to the inner surface of the fuel cans. Constitution: A beryllium-copper thin layer is plated and sintered onto the oxide film on the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical fuel can made of zirconium alloy and formed with the oxide film at its inner and outer circumferential surfaces by way of autoclaving. The fuel can thus formed with the beryllium-copper thin layer on its inner circumferential surface is welded, at its lower opening, with an end plug, charged with nuclear fuel pellets, replaced with helium, mounted with a pressor plate, a plenum spring or the like and finally welded with an upper end plug to constitute a fuel rod. (Kawakami, Y.)