The total energies of finite nuclei are expressed as a functional $E[{\rho }_p, {\rho }_n]$ of the local proton and neutron densities ${\rho }_p$ and ${\rho }_n$. The binding energies and densities of any nucleus are found by minimizing $E[{\rho }_p, {\rho }_n]$ with respect to ${\rho }_p$ and ${\rho }_n$ separately. The potential-energy functional is initially derived from a nuclear matter calculation but later adjusted to reproduce experimental binding energies. Results for light nuclei have already been reported, and here the calculation is extended to medium and heavy nuclei. Binding energies and mean radii are well reproduced but surface thicknesses are too large and rms radii too small.

• Received 30 December 1968

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.181.1543