Non-equilibrium dynamics in high-energy nucleus-nucleus collisions. Pt. 1

Nucleus-nucleus collisions are described in terms of the relativistic Boltzmann equation. This equation is reduced into a multiple collision series which treats the nucleus-nucleus interaction as a sequence of nucleon-nucleon collisions. The direct production of fast nucleons is decoupled from the final-state interactions among them. This rescattering is discussed in connection with the formation of composites and is related to Hagedorn's statistical thermodynamical approach of strong interactions. The final set of equations describes the production of nucleons and composites in a unified manner. They incorporate the nucleon-nucleon dynamics through cross sections and take care of depletion effects in the course of the reaction. The relation of this approach with other theoretical models is discussed. (orig.)