Nuclear deformation energy curves with the constrained Hartree-Fock method

Calculations of the deformation energy curves of relatively heavy deformed nuclei — Ce isotopes — have been performed using the constrained Hartree-Fock technique. The two-body interaction is the Skyrme force, and pairing effects are taken into account. Different possible choices for the external field form are investigated and the advantage of a non-linear dependence of the constraint is shown. One of the advantages of this type of calculation is that deformation energy curves can be calculated without making a complete map of the deformation energy surface. A discussion of the numerical techniques and uncertainties, particularly those connected with truncation effects is given. General trends of the deformation energy curves, calculated for the Ce isotopes as a function of the quadrupole moment, are found to be in good agreement with available experimental information. Associated physical quantities are discussed and a comparison is made with the results of phenomenological calculations using the liquid-drop model and the Strutinsky prescription.