TOWARDS A NEW MODEL OF NUCLEAR-FUSION

Starting with the kinetic equation for the distribution function in th e phase-space of a nucleon, a closed set of equations is obtained desc ribing in a classical way the process of fusion. This is achieved usin g the generalized virial theorems and by making simplifying assumption s of the following nature: (i) restrictions are imposed on the shapes of composite systems and the collective flow of the nuclear matter ins ide them; (ii) the nuclear mean field is assumed at each moment to be the same as in the equilibrated nuclear matter; (iii) the collective m otion energy dissipation is described through a collision term issuing from a mean-relaxation-time approximation. The theory is prepared for the application to study the fusion of two identical spherical nuclei experiencing the head-on collision. It shows in particular that the F ermi-surface deformation affects both the force driving the system to the equilibrium and its dissipative properties.