ISSN:
1434-601X
Keywords:
21.30
;
67.20
;
97.60
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract We have studied the helium plasma in the hypernetted-chain-Approximation considering both short-ranged internuclear and long-ranged Coulomb interactions. The optimal two-particle wave function has been determined in HNC/0 approximation. The two-particle distribution functions, which have been calculated in various orders of HNC/n approximations (n=0, 4, 5), are used to determine the pycnonuclear triple-alpha-fusion rate in the density regime 108 g/cm3≤ρ≤1010 g/cm3, in which the fusing of three alpha-particles to form a12C-nucleus plays an important role in the crust evolution of an accreting old neutron star. Our calculation supports the idea that the helium liquid undergoes a phase transition to stable8Be matter at densities slightly lower thanρ≈3×109 g/ cm3 as the plasma induced screening potential then becomes strong enough to bind the8Be ground state.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01288460
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