Three-fireball model of π-p inelastic interactions at 205 GeV/c

A computer simulation model of π-p interactions is presented which contains two leading fireballs and a central fireball (involving vector-resonance production). The parameters of the model and the subsequent conclusions are obtained by fitting the 205 GeV/c π-p data of Winkelmann et al. and other relevant experimental information such as the inclusive cross-section for Δ++(1236). In particular, note is taken of the number of rho0's produced in pp interactions at 205 GeV/c. Consequently, the hypothesis of basic vector-resonance dominance (BVRD) for the central fireball is relaxed, but only at the price of assuming a probability distribution for the momentum of the nonvector-produced pseudoscalars strongly suggestive of their originating, nevertheless, from resonance decays. (author)