Modelling incomplete fusion dynamics of complex nuclei at Coulomb energies : superheavy element formation

The incomplete fusion dynamics of various target-projectile collisions at energies above the Coulomb barrier are investigated using a novel semi-classical dynamical model which combines a classical trajectory model with stochastic breakup, as implemented in the platypus code, with a dynamical fragmentation theory treatment of two-body clusterisation and decay of a projectile. Studied in this work are the projectiles 20Ne and 40,48Ca, the targets 248,250Cm, 252,254Cf and 254,256Es, at incident energies equal to, 5% above and 10% above the Coulomb barrier. Results are compared with published experimental values to indicate the success of this new model and to calibrate it for the subsequently presented novel predictions for superheavy element formation. Evaporation residue cross-sections are also calculated and presented for selected primary incomplete fusion products. The results are crucial for planning experiments for the production of new superheavy isotopes exploiting the incomplete fusion reaction mechanism.