The diffusivity of the nuclear surface plays an important role in peripherial collisions between two heavy ions. We show that a finite range force produces a diffuse surface for static nuclei in the Vlasov prescription. The surface is calculated self-consistently. This will allow us to perform more realistic calculations for peripheral reactions in the Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck model.

• Received 16 June 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.40.2585