COMPTEL upper limits for the 56Co γ-ray emission from SN1998bu

Supernova 1998bu in the galaxy M 96 was observed by COMPTEL for a total of 88 days starting 17 days after the explosion. We searched for a signal in the 847 keV and 1238 keV lines of radioactive (56)Co from this type Ia supernova. Using several different analysis methods, we did not detect SN1998bu. Our measurements should have been sensitive enough to detect (60)Co gamma-rays as predicted from supernova models. Our 2sigma flux limit is 2.3 x 10(-5) photons cm(-2) s(-1); this would correspond to 0.35 M. of ejected (56)Ni, if SN1998bu were at a distance of 11.3 Mpc and transparent to MeV gamma rays for the period of our measurements. We discuss our measurements in the context of common supernova models, and conclude disfavoring a supernova event with large mixing and major parts of the freshly-generated radioactivity in outer layers.