Microscopic analysis of induced nuclear fission dynamics

The dynamics of low-energy-induced fission is explored using a consistent microscopic framework that combines the time-dependent generator coordinate method (TDGCM) and time-dependent nuclear density functional theory (TDDFT). While the former presents a fully quantum mechanical approach that describes the entire fission process as an adiabatic evolution of collective degrees of freedom, the latter models the dissipative dynamics of the final stage of fission by propagating the nucleons independently toward scission and beyond. The two methods, based on the same nuclear energy density functional and pairing interaction, are employed in an illustrative study of the charge distribution of yields and total kinetic energy for induced fission of 240Pu. For the saddle-to-scission phase a set of initial points for the TDDFT evolution is selected along an isoenergy curve beyond the outer fission barrier on the deformation energy surface, and the TDGCM is used to calculate the probability that the collective wave function reaches these points at different times. Fission observables are computed using both methods and compared with available data.

Automated summary

The dynamics of low-energy-induced fission is studied using a consistent microscopic framework that combines the time-dependent generator coordinate method and time-dependent nuclear density functional theory. Two methods based on the same nuclear energy density functional and pairing interaction are employed in an illustrative study of 240Pu induced fission. Fission observables are calculated and compared with available data.