Recent compilations of experimental gross $\beta$-decay properties, i.e., half-lives ${(T}_{1/2})$ and neutron-emission probabilities ${(P}_{\mathrm{n}}),$ are compared to improved global macroscopic-microscopic model predictions. The model combines calculations within the quasiparticle (QP) random-phase approximation for the Gamow-Teller (GT) part with an empirical spreading of the QP strength and the gross theory for the first-forbidden part of ${\beta }^{-}$ decay. Nuclear masses are either taken from the 1995 data compilation of Audi et al., when available, otherwise from the finite-range droplet model. Especially for spherical and neutron-(sub-)magic isotopes a considerable improvement compared to our earlier predictions for pure GT decay (ADNDT, 1997) is observed. $T_{1/2}$ and $P_{\mathrm{n}}$ values up to the neutron drip line have been used in r-process calculations within the classical “waiting-point” approximation. With the new nuclear-physics input, a considerable speeding-up of the r-matter flow is observed, in particular at those r-abundance peaks which are related to magic neutron-shell closures.

• Received 30 May 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.67.055802