Validity of the Strutinsky Shell-Correction Theory

Abstract

Realistic shell-model potentials are used to test Strutinsky's method. It is found that the results are strongly dependent on the shell-smearing parameter as well as the order of the curvature correction for smearing. No unambiguous values can be obtained for the shell correction, even with the effect of the continuum properly included. As a result, the Strutinsky theory should be regarded only as a recipe to be used in combination with Nilsson potentials.