Momentum distributions in fragmentation reactions with relativistic heavy ions

The momentum distribution (or angular distribution) in inelastic heavy ion reactions is calculated by using a two-step model (“abrasion” and “ablation”). First, all nucleons in the volume element where projectile and target overlap spatially during the collision are sheared away. The remaining prefragment (the projectile minus the sheared off nucleons) has a recoil momentum proportional to the Fermi momentum. The prefragment is left in an excited state and emits nucleons, the recoil momentum given to the final fragment is proportional to the nuclear temperature. This two-step model reproduces the overall trend and the isotopic dependence for the widths of the experimental momentum distributions. Contrary to previous theoretical studies we find that surface and friction phenomena lead to an anisotropy: The momentum distributions in transverse direction are always broader than in the longitudinal direction by about 5 to 10%.