Abstract: A large area semiconductor disk, wherein in order to be able to connect, for example, by soldering, welding or diffusion-bonding the semiconductor disk with copper disks serving for the heat conduction and for the current supply, a copper tape wound to form a spiral is used to make the connection between the two disks. Transverse slots are etched or punched into the copper tape so that free V-shaped crosspieces are formed on one side. The ends of the cross-pieces are connected with the silicon disk, and measures are taken so that the crosspieces do not connect with each other. The other side of the wound tape is soldered to the copper disk. The radial thermal expansion differences between the copper disk and silicon disks, as well as the axial thermal expansion differences between the silicon disk and the casing, as well as production tolerances in the planeness of the copper and silicon disks are absorbed elastically by the corresponding V-shape of the crosspieces.

Abstract: On the two main surfaces of a semiconductor disc of a large diameter, high-performance semiconductor component, there are soldered one bundle each of metal wires. The other ends of the metal wires are soldered to heat dissipating discs. The metal wires, with increasing distance from the center, are of increasing lengths in order to absorb the differences in the thermal expansion of the semiconductor disc and the heat dissipating discs. Metal ring portions and a ceramic housing complete the semiconductorcomponent. A secure and desirable contact of the semiconductor discs is achieved without the application of pressure.

Abstract: Defects in the fuel rods of nuclear fuel assemblies are ascertained and located by ultrasonic means. The fuel assemblies are subjected to ultrasonic waves. Differences in fuel rod resonance is indicative of defective rods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating defective fuel rods of a liquid cooled reactor core wherein the rods have end caps and defective rods collect leakage liquid from the core in the end caps, includes heating the end caps of a plurality of rods to evaporate the leakage liquid, measuring the temperatures of the end caps of the plurality of rods, and simultaneously indicating the temperature differences between defective and non-defective rods. The rods are supported in a container filled with a liquid and the upper ends of the rods and end caps are enclosed within the container in a dry heated temperature. The apparatus includes means for heating the end caps, means for measuring the temperatures and means for simultaneously indicating the temperatures and temperature differences.

Abstract: A typical embodiment of the invention permits defective fuel rods to be identified with the fuel rods arrayed in a fuel element. A bell jacket is placed over the submerged plenum ends of the fuel rods in the fuel element and gas pressure is admitted to the jacket interior to expel water from the enclosed volume and expose the plenum ends of the fuel rods to the gas stream. The cooling effect of the flowing gas on steam rising within the interior of a defective fuel rod causes the steam to condense within the plenum and increase the temperature of the exposed end of the defective rod relative to the ends of the sound rods. An infra red or other suitable temperature detector identifies the higher temperature end of the defective rod for individual removal from the fuel element and replacement, as appropriate.