Abstract: A bimetallic spacer means designed to be cooperatively associated with a nuclear fuel assembly and operative to resist the occurrence of in-reactor bowing of the nuclear fuel assembly. The subject bimetallic spacer means in accord with one embodiment of the invention includes a member formed, at least principally, of zircaloy to which are attached a plurality of stainless steel strips. The latter stainless steel strips are located on the external surface of the zircaloy member and with the major axis of each of the plurality of stainless steel strips extending substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the zircaloy member.