Abstract
This study investigates the burnup distribution of fuel elements in the ITU TRIGA Mark II research reactor core through gamma spectroscopy using137Cs as a burnup indicator. Non-Destructive Assay (NDA) techniques were employed to analyze fuel depletion, utilizing a specialized fuel investigation system installed above the reactor pool. The results indicate that the highest burnup values, exceeding 5 %, were concentrated in the inner core rings (B and C) due to intense neutron flux exposure, while the outer rings (D, E, F) exhibited lower burnup levels. To address this asymmetric distribution, a proposed fuel reshuffling strategy was analyzed, aiming to optimize neutron flux balance and enhance fuel utilization. Also, the strong correlation between137Cs activity and burnup values confirms its reliability as a burnup indicator.
Recommended Citation
Z. Boduroglu et al., "Full Core Fuel Burnup Assessment of the ITU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor using Gamma Spectroscopy," Nuclear Engineering and Technology, vol. 58, no. 2, article no. 103941, Elsevier, Feb 2026.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2025.103941
Department(s)
Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science
Publication Status
Open Access
Keywords and Phrases
Experimental burn-up analysis; Fuel elements; NDA method; TRIGA Mark II reactor
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
2234-358X; 1738-5733
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 Elsevier, All rights reserved.
Creative Commons Licensing
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Publication Date
01 Feb 2026
