MASS-DISTRIBUTION IN THE NEUTRON-INDUCED FISSION OF U-232

Mass distribution in the neutron induced fission of U232 has been studied. The distribution though predominantly asymmetric shows the existence of a small symmetric peak. The average fission product masses for the light and heavy wing are 92.7 and 137.5 mass units, respectively. The widths of the distribution at half and one tenth maxima are 13.4 and 21.0 mass units, respectively, and the peak to valley ratio of yields is about 480. An analysis of the factors influencing the probability of the existence of a symmetric peak and the variation of peak to valley ratio as a function of the proton and neutron numbers of the fissioning nucleus has shown that these variations can be qualitatively explained on the basis of differences in the heights of symmetric and asymmetric outer barriers. NUCLEAR REACTION, FISSION U232(n,f) obtained mass yield using radiochemical and gamma spectrometric techniques, general features examined in terms of symmetric and asymmetric outer barrier heights. © 1979 The American Physical Society.