  We employ a microscopic approach that examines the impact of isospin dynamics
on the process of low energy nuclear fusion along an isotope chain and
dependence on deformation. Our method utilizes the density constrained
time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory (DC-TDHF), where isoscalar and isovector
characteristics of the energy density functional (EDF) are examined in turn.
This approach is applied to a series of fusion interactions of $^{176}$Yb with
increasingly neutron rich isotopes of Calcium. By evaluating the contributions
from the isoscalar and isovector components of the EDF, we look to quantify the
influence of isospin composition on the conditions under which fusion is most
likely to take place. Our findings reveal that, in non-symmetric systems, the
isovector dynamics play a significant role. It's typical effect is a reduction
in the potential barrier, which turns into enhancement for neutron-rich
systems.
