STUDY OF NUCLEI IN THE DRIP-LINE REGIONS

The ground state masses of 7188 nuclei covering the drip-line regions predicted in the infinite nuclear matter model are analysed. On the ba sis of systematics of two neutron separation energies, several new isl ands of stability in the exotic regions are predicted. The shell quenc hing for the N = 82 shell is clearly seen, in agreement with the expec tation from the astrophysical r-process studies of abundances of heavy elements. This points to a solution of the puzzle existing in r-proce ss nucleosynthesis. The shell quenching in the N = 126 shell is also p redicted.