Analysis of proton inelastic scattering cross sections.

A simple semi-classical calculation of direct inelastic scattering of protons by atomic nuclei is performed. The method employed is based on the Impulse Approximation and the variable density Fermi gas model with a diffuse surface. Only those nucleons in the surface of the target nucleus are considered to be capable of contributing to direct interactions. Total inelastic scattering cross sections are presented, and then used to analyze the (p pxn) reaction cross sections of Au197. The method followed is essentially that already proposed by Kavanagh and Bell. Contributions from direct processes inside the nuclear volume have been accounted for by adding the results of Jackson, and Compound nucleus contributions have been ignored. Good agreement between calculations and experiment has been obtained