From quantal multiple scattering theory to a classical transport equation--A soluble model for nucleon-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions at high energy

Journal Article · Fri Sep 15 00:00:00 EDT 1978 · Ann. Phys. (N.Y.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-4916(78)90174-4· OSTI ID:6358864

Huefner, J

Several ad hoc models describe inelastic nucleon-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions at high energy. Why do they work and how are they related We investigate this question by studying an exactly soluble model. It is based on Glauber's multiple scattering approach. The following results are derived and discussed: (1) The inclusive cross section for the observation of one nucleon is the space integral of a Wigner transform. (2) The Wigner transform obeys a classical transport equation. (3) The equation is equivalent to the Boltzmann equation at high energy. (4) The interpenetration of two nuclei is viewed as a diffusion phenomenon governed by a Fokker-Planck equation. (5) Hydrodynamic equations are shown to yield approximate solutions to the transport equation. (6) A kind of thermal equilibrium is quickly reached in a nuclear collision process. (7) The equilibrium equation of state corresponds to an ideal gas with two degrees of freedom.

• Research Organization: Institut fuer Theoretische Physik der Universitaet und Max-Planck-Institut fuer Kernphysik, Heidelberg, Germany (F.R.G.)
• OSTI ID: 6358864
• Journal Information: Ann. Phys. (N.Y.); (United States), Vol. 115:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
GLAUBER THEORY
NUCLEON REACTIONS
HYDRODYNAMIC MODEL
INCLUSIVE INTERACTIONS
BOLTZMANN EQUATION
CROSS SECTIONS
FOKKER-PLANCK EQUATION
MULTIPLE SCATTERING
BARYON REACTIONS
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS
HADRON REACTIONS
INTERACTIONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NUCLEAR REACTIONS
PARTICLE INTERACTIONS
PARTICLE MODELS
SCATTERING
STATISTICAL MODELS
THERMODYNAMIC MODEL
653003* - Nuclear Theory- Nuclear Reactions & Scattering