The physics of heavy ion collisions at 100 MeV per nucleon

Nuclear reactions induced by intermediate energy heavy ions are discussed. The observation of large nuclear surface transparency and of nuclear rainbow scattering in elastic scattering of 12C ions is presented. The data obtained for projectile-like fragments are compared with corresponding results from collisions involving relativistic heavy ions. Finally, a model for the production of light particle spectra emitted in heavy ion reactions is suggested and compared with the experimental data. (Auth.)