In the realm of nuclear physics and energy research, a team of scientists from the Institute of Modern Physics at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, has been delving into the complex world of nuclear fission. Researchers Yingge Huang, Haozhao Liang, and Jun Su have recently published a study that sheds light on the intricate shell effects in quasifission processes leading to the formation of mercury-180 (Hg-180). Their work, published in the journal Physical Review C, offers valuable insights into the fission process and its potential applications in the energy sector.
The study focuses on the phenomenon of quasifission, a process similar to nuclear fission but occurring in heavy-ion collisions. The researchers aimed to understand the shell effects in quasifission leading to Hg-180 and explore their connection with the fission process of the same isotope. To achieve this, they conducted simulations using the Skyrme time-dependent Hartree-Fock approach for various central collisions and the constrained Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov method for static fission properties.
The results of their calculations revealed that shell effects play a significant role in hindering mass equilibration between the prefragments, leading to an enhanced production of fragments near the 80/100 mass split. By comparing the quasifission trajectories with the potential-energy surface (PES) in the (Q20, Q30) space, the researchers identified the role of the PES ridge in forming fragments. Notably, they found that the presence of an asymmetric valley in the PES causes the quasifission of zinc-68 and tin-112 to exhibit a prefragment mass equilibration process and scission-point configuration similar to those of fission.
One of the key findings of the study is the importance of the elongated light fragment in reproducing the experimental fission total kinetic energies. This insight highlights the significance of dynamical calculations for preactinide fission, where the manifestation of shell effects is not intuitively evident from the PES. The researchers suggest that using quasifission dynamics as a probe of the fission pathway can help clarify the specific influence of the PES topography.
The practical applications of this research in the energy sector are manifold. A deeper understanding of fission processes can lead to improvements in nuclear reactor design and safety. It can also contribute to the development of advanced nuclear fuels and the optimization of nuclear waste management strategies. Furthermore, the insights gained from this study can inform the development of next-generation nuclear energy technologies, such as advanced fission reactors and fusion energy systems.
In conclusion, the work of Huang, Liang, and Su provides valuable insights into the complex world of nuclear fission and quasifission. Their findings have significant implications for the energy sector, particularly in the development of advanced nuclear energy technologies. As the global demand for clean and sustainable energy continues to grow, research in this area will be crucial in meeting these challenges and ensuring a secure energy future.
Source: Physical Review C, Volume 105, Issue 2, id.024612 (2022)
This article is based on research available at arXiv.