An algorithm for a semiempirical nuclear fragmentation model

• Published in: Computer physics communications Vol. 47; no. 2; pp. 281 - 294
• Main Authors: Badavi, Forooz F., Townsend, Lawrence W., Wilson, John W., Norbury, John W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Legacy CDMS Elsevier B.V 1987
• Subjects: Aerospace Medicine; Carbon; Computer Simulation; Cosmic Radiation; Elementary Particles; Energy Transfer; Helium; Ions; Iron; Lead; Mathematics; Models, Theoretical; Nuclear Physics; Oxygen; Photons; Space life sciences; Nasa Discipline Radiation Health; Nasa Discipline Number 22-70; Nasa Program Space Medicine; NASA Discipline Number 22-70; NASA Program Space Medicine; NASA Discipline Radiation Health
• ISSN: 0010-4655; 1879-2944
• DOI: 10.1016/0010-4655(87)90114-7

In the present paper, an algorithm for HZE (High Charge and Energy) fragmentation based upon a combination of a two step abrasion/ablation model and electromagnetic dissociation is presented. Development of the model and detailed comparison with available experimental data are given elsewhere. The abrasion process accounts for the removal of nuclear matter in the overlap region of the colliding ions. An average transmission factor is used for the projectile and target nuclei at a given impact parameter to account for the finite mean free path in nuclear matter. The ions are treated otherwise on a geometric basis assuming uniform spheres. The ablation process is treated as a single nucleon-evaporation for every 10 MeV of excitation energy as used by Bowman in the original form of the model. The charge distribution of final fragments are calculated according to the Rudstam formula, except for some correction in mass 5, 8 and 9 fragments which show strong structure effects and correspondingly significant deviation from Rudstam's values. The nuclear electromagnetic dissociation is based on the Weizsacker-Williams (WW) method of virtual quanta where due to its simplicity, the virtual photon spectrum for individual multipoles, and finite extent of the charge distribution are not included. Comparisons of the model are made with the available experimental data here and more extensively elsewhere.