In a
nuclear reactor fuel
assembly structured to support at least one non-linear fuel rod, the
nuclear reactor fuel
assembly includes at least two support grids, a first support grid and a second support grid structured to support at least one fuel rod in a non-linear shape. Each support grid has a plurality of generally square cells and wherein the cells on the first support grid and the second support grid are generally vertically aligned. Each
cell has a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. Each
cell further has protrusions extending from each the
cell sides, wherein the protrusions are selected from the group including a spring, a
dimple or an extended
dimple. A spring is always disposed opposite of a
dimple or an extended dimple. The first support grid includes at least one cell having an extended dimple extending from at least one cell side. The second support grid includes at least one cell aligned with the first support grid at least one cell having an extended dimple, wherein the second support
grid cell has an extended dimple extending from a cell side other than cell side having an extended dimple on the first support grid. Thus, the extended dimples cause the fuel rod to be deformed.