Static and Dynamic Chain Structures in the Mean-Field Theory
  We give a brief overview of recent work examining the presence of $\alpha$-clusters in light nuclei within the Skyrme-force Hartree-Fock model. Of special significance are investigations into $\alpha$-chain structures in carbon isotopes and $^{16}$O. Their stability and possible role in fusion reactions are examined in static and time-dependent Hartree-Fock calculations. We find a new type of shape transition in collisions and a centrifugal stabilization of the $4\alpha$ chain state in a limited range of angular momenta. No stabilization is found for the $3\alpha$ chain. 
T. Ichikawa, N.Itagaki, N. Loebl, J. A. Maruhn, V. E. Oberacker, S.   Ohkubo, B. Schuetrumpf, and A. S. Umar
nucl-th