Interpretation of the 3-pronged events from the 238U+Au reaction registered within CR 39 solid state nuclear track detectors

Reactions of 15 MeV/n 238 U on Au have been studied by means of CR 39 solid state nuclear track detectors. Among the different events observed, all 3-pronged events were selected and examined. It is found that at final state the quasi totality of these events, say 87%, proceed by fission reactions. Analysis in the context of participant-spectator model has shown evidence for two different fission processes. Fission events derived from the break-up of the participant nuclei represent ∼78% of the events, whereas ∼9% issue from the spectator. The mean kinetic energy loss is ∼11 % of the incident energy.