Abstract
We derive and discuss the classical relativistic equations of motion for an action corresponding to extended nucleons interacting with massive, neutral scalar and vector meson fields. This theory, which we call classical hadrodynamics, is the classical analogue of the quantum hadrodynamics of Serot and Walecka but without the assumptions of the mean-field approximation and of point nucleons. The theory is manifestly covariant and allows for non-equilibrium phenomena, interactions among all nucleons, and meson production when used for applications such as relativistic heavy-ion collisions. We review the history of classical meson field theory, with special emphasis on issues related to self-interaction, preacceleration, runaway solutions, and finite-size effects. Sample calculations are presented for nucleon-nucleon collisions at plab = 200 GeV/c, where we find that the theory provides a physically reasonable description of gross features assaciated with the dominating soft reactions. The equations of motion are practical to solve numerically for ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call