Stellar nuclear fusion: Mean cross section and velocity theorem

In summary, the theorem function for the mean product of cross section and velocity for stellar fusion reactions is represented by the symbol ⟨σv⟩. This is calculated by taking the mathematical average of the speed distribution, which is represented by the mean speed ⟨v⟩. The mean cross section ⟨σ⟩ is not well-defined and depends on the nonlinear relationship between velocity and cross section. The reaction rate for stellar nuclear fusion can be calculated using the reactant number densities n1 and n2, the target total cross section σ2, and the mono-energy beam velocity v1.
  • #1
Orion1
973
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I am inquiring as to what the theorem function is for the mean product of cross section and velocity for stellar fusion reactions? [tex]\langle \sigma v \rangle[/tex]

300px-Fusion_rxnrate.svg.png

Mean product of nuclear fusion cross section and velocity. [tex]\langle \sigma v \rangle[/tex]

360px-MaxwellBoltzmann-en.svg.png

Maxwell–Boltzmann probability density function:
[tex]f(v) = \sqrt{\frac{2}{\pi}\left(\frac{m}{kT}\right)^3}\, v^2 \exp \left(- \frac{mv^2}{2kT}\right)[/tex]

The mean speed is the mathematical average of the speed distribution:
[tex]\langle v \rangle = \int_0^{\infty} v \, f(v) \, dv = \sqrt{\frac{8kT}{\pi m}}[/tex]

For a mono-energy beam striking a stationary target, the cross section probability is:
[tex]P = n_2 \sigma_2 = n_2 \pi r_2^2[/tex]

And the reaction rate is:
[tex]f = n_1 n_2 \sigma_2 v_1[/tex]
Reactant number densities:
[tex]n_1, n_2[/tex]
Target total cross section:
[tex]\sigma_2 = \sigma_\text{A} + \sigma_\text{S} + \sigma_\text{L} = \pi r_2^2[/tex]
Mono-energy beam velocity:
[tex]v_1[/tex]
Aggregate area circle radius:
[tex]r_2[/tex]

Stellar nuclear fusion reaction rate (fusions per volume per time):
[tex]f = n_1 n_2 \langle \sigma v \rangle[/tex]

What is the theorem and solution for the mean cross section in stellar nuclear fusion? [tex]\langle \sigma \rangle[/tex]

Is the mean cross section the mathematical average of the cross section distribution?:
[tex]\langle \sigma \rangle = \int_0^{\infty} \sigma \, f(\sigma) \, d\sigma = \, \text{?}[/tex]

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_section_(physics)#Nuclear_physics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell-Boltzmann_distribution
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fusion#Requirements
 
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  • #2
You don't need ⟨σ⟩ and it is not particularly well-defined anyway. The cross section depends on the velocity in a nonlinear way and the velocity has a very non-linear distribution - σ(⟨v⟩) will be completely different from ⟨σv⟩.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamow_factor
 

Related to Stellar nuclear fusion: Mean cross section and velocity theorem

What is nuclear fusion cross section?

Nuclear fusion cross section is a measure of the probability of a nuclear reaction occurring between two atomic nuclei when they come into contact. It is usually represented by the symbol σ (sigma) and is measured in units of barns (1 barn = 10^-24 cm^2).

What factors affect nuclear fusion cross section?

The factors that affect nuclear fusion cross section include the energy and velocity of the colliding nuclei, the size and shape of the nuclei, and the quantum mechanical properties of the particles involved.

How is nuclear fusion cross section calculated?

Nuclear fusion cross section is calculated using theoretical models and experimental data. Theoretical models use quantum mechanics to predict the likelihood of a reaction occurring, while experimental data is obtained by measuring the products of nuclear reactions in a laboratory setting.

Why is nuclear fusion cross section important?

Nuclear fusion cross section is important because it helps scientists understand and predict the behavior of nuclear reactions, which is crucial for developing and improving nuclear technologies such as fusion reactors. It also plays a key role in understanding the formation and evolution of stars and other celestial bodies.

Can nuclear fusion cross section be controlled?

Currently, nuclear fusion cross section cannot be controlled in a laboratory setting. However, scientists are working on developing technology and techniques to increase the efficiency and control of nuclear fusion reactions for potential use in energy production.

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