Trends in nuclear radii from the energy density method

Abstract
A systematic comparison between experimental charge radii rc and values obtained by using the energy density method shows that the model reproduces the average behaviour of rc with particle number. On the other hand, the calculations failed to reproduce observed neutron-shell effects in the charge radii, although calculated neutron radii exhibit significant neutron-shell effects. This calls for the inclusion of a polarising interaction between the valence neutrons and the proton distribution. The calculated proton and neutron radii rp and rn are summarised in graphical form, which gives an idea of the general trends of rp and rn against N and Z. On the grounds of the calculated densities, a simple parametrisation, which goes beyond the A1/3 law, is suggested.