Coaxial Fission of Nuclei to Three Commensurate Fragments

Abstract

Trajectory calculations of the angular distribution of fragments originating from the spontaneous true ternary fission of ²⁵²Cf nuclei are performed with allowance for the rotation of the fissile-nucleus axis. This rotation arises upon scission because of the formation of fragment spins despite the conservation of zero total angular momentum at all fission stages. The calculations in question lead to the conclusion that a collinear tripartition is the most probable in spontaneous true ternary fission of ²⁵²Cf nuclei. This confirms experimental data, thereby creating the basis that is necessary for obtaining deeper insight into them.