Application of LANL fission models to the astrophysical $r$-process

FIESTA Santa Fe, NM

Contributed presentation on 09/2017

Atomic nuclei are one of the most multifaceted systems in the universe. The approach of studying these complex systems through the use of global nuclear models has been a cornerstone of LANL and proven insightful to a wide variety of applications. Our theoretical framework is based on the nuclear properties predicted by the Finite-Range Droplet Model (FRDM). For nuclear fission, reactions and branching ratios we utilize a combination of statistical Hauser-Feshbach (HF) as well as Quasi-particle Random Phase Approximation (QRPA). I focus my discussion on the application of these models to the astrophysical r-process; thought to be responsible for the creation of approximately half of the heavy elements above iron in the cosmos. The extension of our theoretical framework to nuclei at extreme neutron-excess allows for the calculation of relevant capture rates as well as neutron-induced fission and beta-delayed fission properties which are critical inputs for the r-process. I also discuss the ongoing progress being made with fission yields and their impact on the final abundances we observe in nature. This work has been supported by the FIRE (Fission In R-process Elements) collaboration.

LA-UR-17-29017

Related Publications

Year Authors Title (Click for more details) Journal (PDF)
2018 M. Mumpower, T. Kawano, T. M. Sprouse, N. Vassh, et al. $\beta$-delayed fission in $r$-process nucleosynthesis ApJ 869 1

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Matthew Mumpower
Los Alamos National Lab
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