Equilibrium deformations of rotating nuclei in a self-consistent semiclassical approach

We study here equilibrium deformations of rotating nuclei within a self-consistent semiclassical cranking approach using the SkM* Skyrme effective interaction. The different axial rotational configurations, i.e. where the rotation axis is parallel or perpendicular to the symmetry axis, are studied as well as the Jacobi bifurcation into triaxial rotational equilibrium shapes. Finally the validity of the concept of a rotating liquid drop which has been widely used for the determination of average shapes of rotating nuclei is assessed by comparison with our microscopic results. © 1994.