Sensitivity to masses in the r-process
Abstract
The rapid neutron capture process is thought to produce over 50% of the elements beyond iron and still remains, in many ways, a mystery. Questions about the site, conditions and whether it is a single process are outstanding open questions. The process is affected by the astrophysics of the scenario and the nuclear physics of the nuclei involved in the process. Simulations of the r-process require large sets of data such as cross sections, separation energies and decay rates. Clearly, it would be desirable if all of these data sets to be observed and experimentally proven, but since we are looking toward extremely neutron rich nuclei, perilously close to the drip line, we must use many theoretical values. Using an r-process simulation written by Bradley Meyer in 1993, we have been able to see the effects of changing the mass models (and therefore the separation energies) on the final abundances. The input includes the Finite Range Droplet Model, the ETFSI, Duflo-Zucker, and F0 models. By comparing these theoretical models against each other and against known masses, we hope to be able to suggest key regions for further mass measurements.
- Publication:
-
APS Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- October 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009APS..HAW.GB017B