Quantum molecular dynamics — A novel approach to N-body correlations in heavy ion collisions

Abstract

We introduce a novel N-body approach to describe heavy ion collisions. The nucleons are represented as gaussian wave packets in configuration and momentum space. They interact via a combination of a Skyrme type potential and a Uehling-Uhlenbeck two-body scattering mechanism. This theory keeps track of the correlations and therefore allows for a selfconsistent theoretical description of the entire complex dynamics of heavy ion collisions, from the initial non-equilibrium penetration stage via the high density phase to the final formation of complex — stable and unstable — fragments. The cluster formation is caused by correlations and density fluctuations. We find that global equilibrium is not established in the course of the reaction. The form of the mass yield curve agrees with experimental findings. We also study the recently observed collective flow effects and find a strong dependence on the nuclear equation of state.