Converting mixed phase into hadrons

Abstract

We study the transition of expanding QCD matter from the mixed to the hadronic phase and its effects on the transverse flow of hadrons. In the transverse expansion a rarefaction shock develops. Physically allowed values of the energy densities and flow velocities at the shock front are determined. The transverse rapidity of the flow is determined as a function of pion multiplicity. We show that the lifetime of the mixed phase is by and large determined by the longitudinal expansion and is not appreciably affected by the transverse rarefaction, thus making long lifetimes for the entire system possible.