Fusion of heavy nuclei in a classical model

Abstract

The fusion of heavy nuclei is analyzed in a classical potential model. A quasi-elastic two-body potential is derived from the liquid drop model with inclusion of a finite range of interaction. Energy and angular momentum dissipation by friction are considered in the limit of strong localisation at the point of contact. The model suggests a classification of fragment pairs in terms of the parameter x = (e 2/r 0a s )Z 1Z 2/A 1 1 3 A 2 1 3 (A 1 1 3 +A 2 1 3 ) . The conseque of the model are discussed in detail. It is shown that a large body of data on fusion barriers and fusion cross sections can be reproduced. Predictions are made for heavier systems and higher energies than have been accessible so far.