Need guidance for using and understanding NuShellX

[PhysicsAdmirer18]

I’m working on a project involving shell model calculations using NuShellX@MSU, but I’m finding it hard to get started — and I have to submit a project proposal soon, so I need to get up to speed quickly.


My background is mainly undergraduate-level quantum mechanics (wavefunctions, spin, perturbation theory), with only scattered knowledge of nuclear physics. I haven’t studied things like angular momentum coupling, effective interactions, or model spaces in detail.


I need help with both:

• Understanding the nuclear structure theory behind the shell model (in a way that builds from my level)
• Learning how NuShellX works: what the input files mean, how to choose model spaces/interactions, and how to read the outputs

Can anyone recommend clear and accessible resources (books, notes, tutorials, or papers) that explain these topics well — ideally ones that will help me get going quickly enough to write a meaningful proposal?


Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[TensorCalculus]

Not sure how much I can help you, since I don't have experience with either, but have you checked out the GitHub tutorial on NuShellX? It seems to cover basic things like calculating spectra and transitions, I would assume input and output are covered as well in the process.