Nondestructive Burnup Evaluation and Gamma Spectroscopy Analysis of Spent Fuel Elements in the ITU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor

Author

A. Kaya
O. Erbay
Z. Boduroglu
I. A. Reyhancan
M. S. Kiziltas
T. Akyurek, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive burnup analysis of all fuel elements in the ITU TRIGA Mark II research reactor core using non-destructive assay (NDA) techniques based on gamma spectroscopy. Two distinct fuel inspection systems were employed to measure the gamma activity, with¹³⁷Cs used as the primary burnup indicator due to its strong correlation with fuel depletion. The results show a clear burnup pattern, with higher values in the inner core rings that gradually decreases toward the outer rings. This asymmetric burnup distribution underscores the need for reactor core reconfiguration, for which an optimized layout is proposed. Additionally, gamma spectroscopic analysis of fuel element F30 was conducted at cooling times of 10, 130, and 755 days. The results also suggest that¹⁴⁰La is a promising candidate for future burnup studies, which will be pursued in subsequent research.

Recommended Citation

A. Kaya et al., "Nondestructive Burnup Evaluation and Gamma Spectroscopy Analysis of Spent Fuel Elements in the ITU TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor," Progress in Nuclear Energy, vol. 192, article no. 106186, Elsevier, Feb 2026.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2025.106186

Department(s)

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science

Publication Status

Full Text Access

Comments

Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu, Grant 3501

Keywords and Phrases

Core configuration; Fuel elements; Gamma spectroscopy; NDA method

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0149-1970

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2026 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Feb 2026