Fission and fusion dynamics

Abstract

In part I a unified macroscopic approach to the field of fission and heavy ion fusion is stressed. The principal degrees of freedom relevant to this field are described. In the equations of motion there are three types of terms (potential, dissipative and inertial terms). The principal features of the potential energy landscape are illustrated qualitatively by means of an example relevant to fission and super-heavy element formation. Part II presents evidence for strong dissipative (damping) effects associated with the motion of nuclear matter along the fission trajectory from the ground-state shape, past the saddle point and to some region between saddle and scission. Beyond this region the damping effects appear to diminish. A parallel trend in the effective mass of the fission motionsis pointed out and a connection between strong damping and increased inertia is suggested. Consequences of strong damping for the successful fusion of heavy nuclei are briefly discussed. © 1972.