Time-Dependent Dirac Equation with Relativistic Mean-Field Dynamics Applied to Heavy-Ion Scattering

We treat the relativistic propagation of nucleons coupled to scalar- and vector-meson fields in a mean-field approximation. The time-dependent Dirac and mean-meson-field equations are solved numerically in three dimensions. Collisions of ${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$(300, 600, and 1200 MeV/nucleon) + ${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$ are studied for various impact parameters. The results are compared to other recent theoretical approaches. The calculations predict spallation, large transverse-momentum transfer, and positive-angle sidewards flow, in qualitative agreement with the data in this energy regime.