Spacer grid function

User Support
1

Hi everyone

I would like to design a fuel assembly with and without spacer grid into account 3D

I would like to know if there is a function that handle spacer grid design or I need to design it

Thank you for your support in advance
Abdullah

2

Hello Abdullah,
There is no function to handle spacer grids. So you will have to input the spacer grids yourself. I think you can use the same material as the cladding, just make the pitch larger in the regions that include spacer grids.

Best,
Miriam

3

Just to add on to @mkreher13’s response, the actual geometry of a spacer grid is really complex, so normally it is just homogenized with the surrounding water. As long as the total mass of the spacer grid is preserved, it should have about the same effect neutronically.