Fission dynamics, dissipation, and clustering at finite temperature

The saddle-to-scission dynamics of the induced fission process is explored using a microscopic finite temperature model based on time-dependent nuclear density functional theory (TDDFT), that allows one to follow the evolution of local temperature along fission trajectories. Starting from a temperature that corresponds to the experimental excitation energy of the compound system, the model propagates nucleons along isentropic paths toward scission. For the four illustrative cases of induced fission of 240Pu, 234U, 244Cm, and 250Cf, characteristic fission trajectories are considered, and the partition of the total energy into various kinetic and potential energy contributions at scission is analyzed, with special emphasis on the energy dissipated along the fission path and the prescission kinetic energy. The model is also applied to the dynamics of neck formation and rupture, characterized by the formation of few-nucleon clusters in the low-density region between the nascent fragments.

Automated summary

The saddle-to-scission dynamics of induced fission process is investigated using a microscopic finite temperature model based on time-dependent nuclear density functional theory (TDDFT), which allows the tracking of local temperature evolution along the fission trajectories. By starting from a temperature corresponding to the experimental excitation energy of the compound system, nucleons are propagated along isentropic paths towards scission. The study focuses on the energy partitioning at scission, including dissipated energy along the fission path and the prescission kinetic energy, for four illustrative cases of induced fission. The model is also applied to the dynamics of neck formation and rupture, characterized by the formation of few-nucleon clusters in the low-density region between the nascent fragments.