Improvements to model of projectile fragmentation

TL;DR

This paper improves a projectile fragmentation model by introducing a impact parameter-dependent temperature T(b), enhancing the accuracy of cross-section predictions for heavy ion collisions.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel modification to the existing model by making the temperature T a function of impact parameter b, improving agreement with experimental data.

Findings

T(b) formula fits experimental data well

Model accurately predicts cross-sections for various collisions

Impact parameter dependence improves model reliability

Abstract

In a recent paper [Phys. Rev. C 044612 (2011)] we proposed a model for calculating cross-sections of various reaction products which arise from disintegration of projectile like fragment resulting from heavy ion collisions at intermediate or higher energy. The model has three parts: (1) abrasion, (2) disintegration of the hot abraded projectile like fragment (PLF) into nucleons and primary composites using a model of equilibrium statistical mechanics and (3) possible evaporation of hot primary composites. It was assumed that the PLF resulting from abrasion has one temperature T. Data suggested that while just one value of T seemed adequate for most cross-sections calculations, it failed when dealing with very peripheral collisions. We have now introduced a variable T=T(b) where b is the impact parameter of the collision. We argue there are data which not only show that T must be a function of b but, in addition, also point to an approximate value of T for a given b. We propose a very simple formula: T(b)=D_0+D_1(A_s(b)/A_0) where A_s(b) is the mass of the abraded PLF and A_0 is the mass of the projectile; D_0 and D_1 are constants. Using this model we compute cross-sections for several collisions and compare with data.