A microscopic analysis of moments of inertia

A microscopic analysis of moments of inertia is performed within the cranked Nilsson model. Special emphasis is put on the second-derivative moment of inertia, J⁽²⁾. Contributions to this from changes of rotational frequency and deformation are separately discussed. A simple expression for the latter is derived and it is for a studied series of Yb isotopes usually found to contribute with less than 10% to the total J⁽²⁾ value. J⁽¹⁾, J⁽²⁾ and J_rigid are calculated as functions of spin at the appropriate equilibrium deformations for the even-even nuclei ^160–176Yb. Variations of J⁽²⁾ with particle number and spin are discussed. Relations between J⁽²⁾ and the deformation are studied in detail, especially in connection with the super-backbending.