Improvements in or relating to fuel assembly for a nuclear reactor

A fuel assembly is described for a nuclear reactor comprising: 1) an array of fuel rods mounted between a base and an upper support member, 2) at least one support grid comprising multiple straps interwoven with each other to form therebetween openings for receiving the fuel rods for laterally supporting and holding the fuel rods in spaced relationship with each other, 3) rigid means formed integral with the straps and projecting from two adjacent straps into each opening to contact the respective fuel rod therein, 4) and resilient means formed integral with the straps and projecting from the other two adjacent straps into each opening to force the fuel rod into firm engagement with the rigid means, the straps having cut-out areas at their leading edges in line, with respect to the direction of flow of coolant through the assembly, with the rigid and resilient means so as to maintain uniformity of coolant flow speed through the grid. (author)