Can we extract the nuclear equation of state

This paper discusses attempts to extract the nuclear equation of state from event-by-event data on high energy heavy ion collisions via the Vlasov-Uehling-Uhlenbeck theory. In this approach, the time evolution of the Wigner function is followed in configuration and momentum space. Rapid stopping of the projectile occurs at small impact parameters. For intermediate impact parameters, the theory predicts simultaneously the bounce-off effect of the projectile fragments and the sidewards flow of the participant matter. The latter can be displayed via a finite angle peak in the distribution of the flow angle Θ/sub F/, while the former is most easily observed via a pronounced maximum of the transverse momentum transfer rho/sub x/(y) at the projectile rapidity. A drastic dependence of rho/sub x/ and Θ/sub F/ on the mass of the colliding system, impact parameter, and bombarding energy is predicted. Recent data are used to extract an equation of state. The resulting EOS is in quantitative agreement with results obtained from pion multiplicities via various methods