FUSION REACTIONS BETWEEN HEAVY NUCLEI.

Abstract

This review concentrates on models of the fusion process that have been used to explain the macroscopic features of fusion excitation functions at energies above the fusion reaction threshold. The classification of the reactions between heavy nuclei and the definition of fusion are discussed where it is pointed out that fission fragments or evaporation residues, or both, may result in the exit channel of a fusion reaction. Several models for the calculation of the fusion excitation function are discussed.