Virial Corrections to Simulations of Heavy Ion Reactions

Abstract

Within quantum molecular dynamics (QMD) simulations we demonstrate the effect of virial corrections on heavy ion reactions. Unlike in standard codes, the binary collisions are treated as nonlocal so that the contribution of the collision flux to the reaction dynamics is covered. A comparison with standard QMD simulations shows that the virial corrections lead to a broader proton distribution bringing theoretical spectra closer towards experimental values. Complementary Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck simulations reveal that the nonlocality enhances the collision rate in the early stage of the reaction. It suggests that the broader distribution appears due to an enhanced preequilibrium emission of particles.