THE CRANKING FORMULA AND THE SPURIOUS BEHAVIOR OF THE MASS PARAMETERS

Abstract

We discuss some aspects of the approach of the mass parameters by means of the simple cranking model. In particular, it is well known that the numerical application of this formula is often subject to ambiguities or contradictions. It is found that these problems are induced by the presence of two derivatives in the formula. To overcome these problems, we develop here a number of simple arguments which tend to justify the removal of these terms. As soon as this is done, the formula becomes simpler and easier to interpret. In this respect, it is shown how the shell effects affect precisely the mass parameters. A number of numerical tests help us in our conclusions.