A two-step iterative method for estimating constrained Hartree-Fock energies

For a given two-body force, we formulate a method for estimating the energy in a constrained Hartree-Fock calculation of a deformed nucleus. This is done by using the information from the first two iterations of the self-consistency cycle. After giving some simple illustrations, the method is applied to obtain the deformation energy curve of some medium heavy nuclei and the fission barrier of 240Pu. The results are compared with the corresponding self-consistent CHF calculations. The extreme sensitivity of the fission barrier shape to the assumed density dependence in the interaction is pointed out. (orig.)