Project Engineering

Hatice Akkurt

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Office: 865-***-****

P.O. Box 2008, MS 6170 Cell: 865-***-****

Oak Ridge, TN 37831 email: *******@****.*** (W)

email: *************@*****.*** (P)

Education Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, 2002,

University of Michigan

Dissertation: Composition Analysis of Large Samples with PGNAA Using

a Fixed Point Iteration

Certificate of Complex System Studies, 2001, University of Michigan

M.S. in Nuclear Engineering, 1998, University of Texas at Austin

Thesis: MCNP Benchmark Calculations for Mixed Oxide Lattices of the

ESADA Plutonium Program

M.S. in Nuclear Engineering, 1996, Hacettepe University, Turkey

Thesis: Development of a Control Model for a PWR

B.S. in Nuclear Engineering, 1994, Hacettepe University, Turkey

Research Interests

Neutron and Photon Transport Problems

Inverse Problems

Radiation Protection and Shielding

Computational Dosimetry

Monte Carlo Methods and Applications

Reactor Analysis and Criticality Calculations

Radiation Detection and Measurements

Experience Oak Ridge National Laboratory

7/2005-present Research and Development Staff

Developing models and a software package for the assessment of

radiation dose using mathematical, voxel, and hybrid phantom models.

Developing a user interface, based on Java using Java3d routines, for

generation, visualization, and analysis of the models. The package is

coupled to MCNP for radiation transport simulations. The software is

sponsored by the NRC for the assessment of dose to workers as well as

for educational and training purposes.

Working on the feasibility and design studies for a high temperature

down-hole tool, based on nuclear methods, for geothermal

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applications. The project involves diverse set of activities including

neutron and photon detector measurements, environmental tests for

shock and vibration, and modeling and simulation. The project

involves staff members from five different divisions and as the

principal investigator of the project, responsible for the coordination of

efforts among team members, coordination of measurements, and the

lead for modeling and simulation activities.

Worked on a project for which the objective was to develop an

algorithm to determine the water content and depth for Lunar and

Planetary characterization purposes. Also, planned and coordinated a

series of measurements in collaboration with the industry, NASA, and

universities for benchmarking and validation.

Worked on a variety of projects including cross section and code

validation, criticality and shielding calculations, depletion calculations,

and dose calculations toward revision of Federal Guidance Report

(FGR-12) for EPA.

Hosted and mentored several students as summer interns.

Worked on the preparation of proposals for different sponsors, project

management and budgeting in PI role, coordination of efforts among

team members, coordination of program and project reviews, and

interactions with the sponsors.

1/2002-7/2005 Princeton Technology Center, Schlumberger

Nuclear Modeler (1/2002-6/2003)/Senior Nuclear Modeler (6/2003-7/2005)

Worked on concept and feasibility studies for new tool and algorithm

development for oil-well logging problems. Performed steady-state

and time-dependent neutron and photon transport computations, for

oil-well logging tools, using MCNP and McBend Monte Carlo codes.

Setup a Linux cluster for performing parallel MCNP computations and

was the system administrator for the system.

Developed a user interface program using HTML and JavaScript to

generate MCNP inputs for oil-well logging tools.

Coordinated laboratory measurements to characterize tool response

and to benchmark computational results. Performed data analysis for

these measurements.

Participated in feasibility and design studies of using an instrument,

similar to oil-well logging tools with pulsed neutron generators, for

Lunar and Planetary characterization purposes. This work was a

collaborative team effort between scientist and engineers from NASA,

several universities, and institutions.

Elected as Schlumberger Eureka Nuclear Modeling Community leader

in 2004 and re-elected in 2005. Responsibilities included creating and

maintaining an internal web site for computational tools, evaluation of

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codes and new releases, preparation of semi-annual community

newsletter, and organization of annual Nuclear Community meeting.

6/1999-12/2001 University of Michigan, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Science Dept.

Graduate Research Assistant

Worked on a project for the mathematical and computational modeling

aspects of large sample Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis

(PGNAA) for material characterization purposes.

Developed an iterative algorithm, which solves the composition

problem for large samples using a combination of measured and

computed quantities.

Tested the developed method with proof-of-principle measurements.

Performed sensitivity analysis studies to determine the robustness of

the method.

5/2000-8/2000 Argonne National Laboratory-West (ANL-W)

Summer Intern

Organized and performed neutron activation measurements for large

samples to test and validate the developed algorithm.

1/1997-6/1999 University of Texas at Austin, Nuclear Engineering Department

Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant

Worked on a project for the Disposition of Excess Weapon Plutonium

and Plutonium Utilization in Water Reactors in the form of MOX fuel.

Performed criticality benchmark computations using MCNP for this

project. Performed sensitivity calculations using CSAS1X module of

SCALE.

Assisted in teaching undergraduate courses in engineering

computational methods and programming.

1/1994-12/1996 Hacettepe University, Nuclear Engineering Department

Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant

Developed a FORTRAN program to simulate a PWR with all

components.

Improved the control model using neural networks.

Assisted in teaching heat transfer, thermodynamics, nuclear reactor

engineering, and reactor analysis courses at the undergraduate level.

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Publications

Radiation Protection and Dosimetry

H. Akkurt, D. Wiarda, K. Eckerman, Radiation Estimation Toolkit Using Phantom

Models, NUREG/CR, under review by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,

Oak Ridge, Tenn., expected final publication date: December 2012.

H. Akkurt, D. Wiarda, K. Eckerman, Recent Updates to Radiation Dose Estimation

Software: PIMAL, Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc, 104, 635-636, 2011 [Received RPSD Best

Professional Paper Award].

H. Akkurt, D. Wiarda, K. Eckerman, Radiation Dose Estimation Using Realistic

Postures with PIMAL, Trans. Am. Nulc. Soc., 103, 637-638, (2010).

H. Akkurt, K. Bekar, K. Eckerman, Estimation of Patient and Physician Doses in

Interventional Cardiology Using ICRP Male Phantom and Hybrid Phantom

VOXMAT, presented at the RPSD-2010 meeting, Las Vegas, NV, April 19-23,

2010.

T. Miller, H. Akkurt, B. Patton, Personnel Dose Assessment during Active

Interrogation, presented at the RPSD-2010 meeting, Las Vegas, NV, April 19-23,

2010.

H. Akkurt, K. Bekar, K. Eckerman, Assessment of Organ Doses for a Glovebox

Worker Using Realistic Postures with PIMAL and VOXMAT, Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc,

101, 671 673, 2009.

H. Akkurt, K. B. Bekar, and K. F. Eckerman, Development of Hybrid Computational

Phantom for Radiation Dose Assessment, presented at the ICRS-11 & RPSD-2008,

Pine Mountain, GA, April 13 18, 2008.

H. Akkurt, K. B. Bekar, and K. F. Eckerman, Preliminary Results for VOXMAT:

Phantom Model with Combination of Voxel and Mathematical Geometry, Trans.

Am. Nucl. Soc. 98, 475-476 (2008).

H. Akkurt and K. F. Eckerman, Development of PIMAL: Mathematical Phantom

with Moving Arms and Legs, ORNL/TM-2007/14, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

(May 2007).

H. Akkurt and K. F. Eckerman, "Estimation of Radiation Dose for a Sitting Phantom

Using PIMAL," Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc. 97, 458-460 (2007).

H. Akkurt, K. F. Eckerman, J. C. Wagner, and S. Sherbini, "PIMAL: Computational

Phantom with Moving Arms and Legs," Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc. 96, 396-397 (2007)

[invited].

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H. Akkurt, D. Wiarda, A. M. Fleckenstein, and K. F. Eckerman, "A GUI for

Computational Phantom with Freely Moving Arms and Legs," Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.

96, 640-641 (2007).

H. Akkurt and K. F. Eckerman, "VOXMAT: Hybrid Computational Phantom for

Dose Assessment," Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc. 96, 642-643 (2007).

H. Akkurt, J. C. Wagner, and K. F. Eckerman, "Hand-Held Instruments for Landmine

Detection: View from Radiation Dosimetry," Nuclear Instruments and Methods in

Physics Research A 579, 391-394, 2007.

Characterization for Logging Problems (Oil & Geothermal)

J. Neal, L. Boatner, Z. Bell, H. Akkurt, M. McCarthy, Evaluation of Neutron and

Gamma Detectors for High Temperature Logging Applications, Proc. of 2nd IEEE

Future of International Instrumentation Workshop, Oak Ridge, TN, November 6-7,

2011.

L. Boatner, J. Neal, Z. Bell, J. Kolopus, H. Akkurt, The Characterization of

Scintillator Performance at Elevated Temperatures up to 400oC, presented at the

2011 MRS Spring Meeting, San Francisco, CA, April 25-29, 2011 [invited].

H. Akkurt, Investigation of Neutron Detector Response to Varying Temperature and

Water Content for Geothermal Applications, Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc, 103, 204-205,

(2010).

H. Akkurt, "Benchmark Results for Monte Carlo Computations of Decay Time

Measurements," Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc., 91, 117-119, 2004.

Planetary Characterization

R. D. Starr, L. G. Evans, A. M. Parsons, J. I. Trombka, J. Groves, H. Akkurt, S. R.

Floyd, M. Namkung, L. Perkins, P. Wraight, and W. Ziegler, "Combined Gamma-Ray

Spectrometer and Pulsed Neutron Generator System for In-Situ Planetary

Geochemical Analysis," Proceedings of the 38th Lunar and Planetary Science

Conference, League City, TX, March 12-16, 2007.

H. Akkurt, J. L. Groves, J. Trombka, R. Starr, L. Evans, S. Floyd, R. Hoover, L. Lim,

T. McClanahan, R. James, T. McCoy, J. Schweitzer, "Pulsed Neutron Generator

System for Astrobiological and Geochemical Exploration of Planetary Bodies,"

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research-B, 241, 232-237, 2005.

J. I. Trombka, R. D. Starr, J. Groves, H. Akkurt, L. G. Evans, T. J. McCoy, A. M.

Parsons, J. Schweitzer, E. Amatucci, M. T. Smith, S. Floyd, T. P. McClanahan, "A

Pulsed Neutron Gamma-Ray System for Mars Rover Missions", IEEE 2005

Aerospace Conference Proceedings, March 2005.

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Inverse Problems

J. P. Holloway and H. Akkurt, "The fixed point formulation for large sample

PGNAA, Part 1: Theory," Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research-A,

522, 529-544, 2004.

H. Akkurt, J. P. Holloway, and L. E. Smith, "The fixed point formulation for large

sample PGNAA, Part 2: Measurements," Nuclear Instruments and Methods in

Physics Research-A, 522, 545-557, 2004.

H. Akkurt and J. P. Holloway, "Sensitivity of the Fixed Point Formulation to Density

for Large Sample PGNAA, Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc., 90, 367-369, 2004.

H. Akkurt and J. P. Holloway, "Sensitivity of the Fixed Point Iteration to Neutron

Source Spectrum for Large Sample PGNAA, Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc., 90, 370-372,

2004.

J. P. Holloway and H. Akkurt, "An Existence proof for a problem in prompt gamma

neutron activation analysis", Proceedings of American Nuclear Society Topical

Meeting in Mathematics & Computations, Gatlinburg, TN, 2003.

H. Akkurt, J. P. Holloway, and L. E. Smith, "Testing the fixed point iteration for

composition determination of large samples using PGNAA," Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.,

86, 388-389, 2002.

H. Akkurt, J. P. Holloway, and L. E. Smith, "A fixed point iteration for large sample

prompt gamma analysis," Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc., 85, 2001.

J. P. Holloway and H. Akkurt, "Some aspects of the mathematical modeling of

prompt gamma neutron activation analysis," Proceedings of PHYSOR 2000, May

2000.

Criticality Calculations

H. Akkurt and N. M. Abdurrahman, "Benchmark calculations of ESADA single

region MOX critical experiments," Nuclear Technology, 127, 301-314, 1999.

H. Akkurt, N. M. Abdurrahman, R. T. Primm III, J. M. Barnes, and M. W. Yambert,

"Neutronics Benchmarks for the Utilization of Mixed-Oxide Fuel: Joint U.S./Russian

Progress Report for Fiscal Year 1997, ESADA Plutonium Program Critical

Experiments: Power Distribution Measurements," ORNL/SUB/99-XSZ175V-5, Oak

Ridge National Laboratory, 2001.

H. Akkurt and N.M. Abdurrahman, Neutronics Benchmarks for the Utilization of

Mixed-Oxide Fuel: Joint U.S./Russian Progress Report for Fiscal Year 1997, ESADA

Plutonium Program Critical Experiments: Multi-Region Core Configurations,

ORNL/SUB/00-XSZ175V-1, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 2000.

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H. Akkurt and N. M. Abdurrahman, " Neutronics Benchmarks for the Utilization of

Mixed-Oxide Fuel: Joint U.S./Russian Progress Report for Fiscal Year 1997, ESADA

Plutonium Program Critical Experiments: Single-Region Core Configurations,"

ORNL/SUB/99-XSZ175V-1, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1999.

H. Akkurt and N. M. Abdurrahman, "Criticality benchmark calculations for multi-

region (MOX and UO2) slab core configurations," Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc., 79, 284,

1998.

H. Akkurt and N. M. Abdurrahman, "Benchmark calculations of ESADA multi-

region MOX critical experiments," Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc., 78, 248, 1998.

N. M. Abdurrahman and H. Akkurt, "Criticality benchmark calculations of ESADA

plutonium program with MCNP," Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc., 77, 368, 1997.

PWR Simulation and Neutral Networks

H. Akkurt and U. Colak, "PWR system simulation and parameter estimation with

neural networks", Annals of Nuclear Energy, 29, (17), 2087-2103, 2002.

H. Akkurt, U. Colak, and C. N. Sokmen, "Dynamic Modeling of a PWR,

"Proceedings of the 7th National Congress on Nuclear Sciences and Technology,

Turkey, 1996.

Nuclear Data Validation

D. Wiarda, M. E. Dunn, D. E. Peplow, T. M. Miller, and H. Akkurt, Development

and Testing of ENDF/B-VI.8 and ENDF/B-VII.0 Coupled Neutron-Gamma Libraries

for SCALE 6, NUREG/CR-6990 (ORNL/TM-2008/047), prepared for the U.S.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge,

Tenn., February 2009.

Dissertation and Thesis

H. Akkurt, "Composition Analysis of Large Samples with PGNAA Using a Fixed

Point Iteration," PhD Dissertation, University of Michigan, 2002.

H. Akkurt, "MCNP Benchmark Calculations for Mixed Oxide Lattices of the ESADA

Plutonium Program," MS Thesis, University of Texas at Austin, August 1998.

H. Akkurt, "Development of a Control Model for a PWR," MS Thesis, Hacettepe

University, Turkey, December 1996.

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Honors and Awards

ANS Radiation Protection and Shielding Division (RPSD) Best Professional

Paper Award, July 2011.

Nuclear Science and Technology Division Scientific and Technical Achievement

Award, December 2006.

Who s Who in Science and Engineering (2007, 2010), Who s Who in America

(2008, 2009, 2011).

University of Michigan, Rackham Recruitment Fellowship, (September 1999-

August 2000).

Professional Society Service Activities

Member: American Nuclear Society (ANS), IEEE, HPS.

ANS Publication Committee member 2011-Present

Secretary of Mathematics and Computation Division (MCD) of ANS 2008-2010

Arrangements Chair, ANS Oak Ridge/Knoxville Local Section 2006-2007

Program Chair, ANS Oak Ridge/Knoxville Local Section 2007-2010

Board Member, ANS Oak Ridge/Knoxville Local Section 2007-2010

Chaired and co-chaired several sessions at ANS Summer and

Winter national meetings and Radiation Protection and Shielding Conference.

Reviewer Activities

Nuclear Technology 2008-Present

Applied Radiation and Isotopes 2007-Present

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research-A 2005-Present

IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science 2006-Present

Radiation Protection and Shielding Conference 2006-Present

ANS Summer and Winter meetings 2006-Present

ORNL LDRD Proposals 2007-2010

DOE proposal/project review committee 2009-2011

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Students Hosted (Summer Internship)

Eric Jones, MS Student at Tennessee Tech University, Assessment of photon

production data for detector materials with focus on safeguards measurements,

May-July 2010. [Co-mentored with Luiz Leal, Nuclear Data group at ORNL].

Catherine Frame, MS Student at Vanderbilt University, Radiation dose

estimation using ICRP s voxel phantoms for external exposures, May-July 2010.

Kursat Bekar, PhD student at Penn State University [currently working as R&D

staff member at ORNL].

Exploring Layered Materials with Neutron and Photon Spectroscopy to

Determine the Depth and Water Content in Subsurface Layers of Planets,

May-Jul, 2007

Hybrid phantom modeling project, July-September 2007

Geng Fu, PhD Student at University of Illinois, Assessment of the impact of new

cross section data set on the estimated dose values using MCNP, May-July 2006

[currently working as research scientist at GE Global Research].

Major Grants

H. Akkurt (PI), Z. Bell, L. Boatner, J. Neal, P.Chiaro, Feasibility and Design

Studies for a High Temperature Downhole Tool, funded by DOE Geothermal

Technologies Program, FY 2010-2012, $1,050,000

H. Akkurt (PI) and K. Eckerman, Complete Development of PIMAL: Software

for Radiation Dose Estimations, funded by NRC, FY 2009-2012, $895,000.

H. Akkurt (PI) and K. Eckerman, Development of Hybrid Computational

Phantom Model, ORNL LDRD (Seed) Funding, FY 2007-2008, $183,000.

H. Akkurt (PI), J. P. Holloway, S. Pozzi, Exploring Layered Materials with

Neutron and Photon Spectroscopy to Determine the Depth and Water Content in

Subsurface Layers of Planets, ORNL LDRD (Seed) Funding, FY 2006-2007,

$175,000.

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