The energy spectra of ct particles have been measured in coincidence with t
he evaporation residues for the decay of the compound nucleus P-31, produce
d in the reaction F-19(96 MeV) + C-12. The data have been compared with the
predictions of the statistical model code CASCADE. It has been observed th
at significant deformation effects in the compound nucleus need to be consi
dered in order to explain the shape of the evaporated alpha-particle energy
spectra. [S0556-2813(99)05702-7].