Dynamics of the tri-nuclear system at spontaneous fission of $^{252}$Cf

TL;DR

This paper models the dynamics of ternary fission in $^{252}$Cf, demonstrating that initial collinearity leads to collinear fission, with deviations resulting in non-collinear outcomes, based on equations of motion analysis.

Contribution

It provides a detailed calculation of the tri-nuclear system's equations of motion to analyze the collinearity of ternary fission in $^{252}$Cf.

Findings

Collinearity of ternary fission depends on initial nuclear configuration.

Zero perpendicular velocity component results in collinear fission.

Non-zero perpendicular velocity leads to non-collinear fission.

Abstract

To describe of dynamics of ternary fission of $^{252}$Cf an equation of motion of the tri-nuclear system is calculated. The fission of the $^{70}$Ni+$^{50}$Ca+$^{132}$Sn channel was chosen as one of the more probable channels of true ternary fission of $^{252}$Cf. The collinearity of ternary fission has been checked by analyzing results of the equation of motion. The results show that if initially all nuclei are placed collinearly (potential energy of this position is the smallest) and the component of the middle fragment's initial velocity which is perpendicular to this line, is zero then ternary fission is collinear, otherwise the non collinear ternary fission takes place.