Gaussian approximations for the nuclear Coulomb interaction

The kernel 1/¦r-r′¦=1/y in the direct term of the average Coulomb potential of the nuclear Hartree-Fock model is approximated by a sum of gaussians iny. For 0.5≦y≦30 Fm, a sixteen term expression is found such the direct Coulomb energy is obtained to one part in 10³. The exchange Coulomb potential is estimated in the statistical model. Applications of these accurate and practical approximations to fission calculations are discussed.