We have formulated a statistical model of nuclear properties that comb
ines the Thomas-Fermi assumption of two fermions per h(3) of phase spa
ce with an effective interaction between the nucleons. The model has b
een employed in the calculation of nuclear masses and density distribu
tions. The initial calculations assumed spherical symmetry but a later
extension to three dimensions permits the calculation of fission sadd
le-point shapes and the corresponding fission barriers. It is also pos
sible to include angular momentum and we have constructed an extension
of the model which describes approximately ground-state, superdeforme
d and fission-isomeric rotational bands of even-even nuclei. The model
is based on a three-term energy expression corresponding to: a) a rig
id rotation of part of the nucleus, b) the energy of initially counter
-rotating gyroscopes that the overall rotation gradually aligns in the
direction of the total angular momentum, and c) a potential energy re
sisting such alignment. The model can be used for a macroscopic descri
ption of the angular momentum dependence of nuclear fission barriers.