T-matrix theory of galactic heavy-ion fragmentation
The theory of galactic heavy-ion fragmentation is furthered by incorporating a T-matrix approach into the description of the three-step process of abrasion, ablation, and final-state interations. The connection between this T matrix and the interaction potential is derived. For resonant states, the substitution of complex energies for real energies in the transition rate is formally justified for up to third-order processes. The previously developed abrasion-ablation fragmentation theory is rederived from first principles and is shown to result from time ordering, classical probability, and zero-width-resonance approximations. Improvements in the accuracy of the total fragmentation cross sections require an alternative to the latter two approximations. A Lorentz-invariant differential abrasion-ablation cross section is derived which explicitly includes the previously derived abrasion total cross sections. It is demonstrated that spectral and angular distributions can be obtained from the general Lorentz-invariant form.
- Research Organization:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Hampton, VA (USA). Langley Research Center
- OSTI ID:
- 5604741
- Report Number(s):
- N-85-17690; NASA-TP-2363; L-15833; TRN: 85-013171
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Doubly differential cross sections for galactic heavy-ion fragmentation
Relativistic heavy-ion fragmentation at HISS