The local Fermi momentum and effective nuclear interactions

We discuss the local Fermi momentum as an alternative physical parameter to the local density in the context of density-dependent effective interactions. It is shown that a force depending only on the local Fermi momentum would have zero rearrangement energy. We then develop some Skyrme-like effective interactions which depend on the local kinetic energy density rather than upon the local density. These forces reproduce nuclear ground-state properties with similar success as is achieved with Skyrme forces. (orig.)