Hydrodynamic and thermodynamic phenomena in superdense matter: theory and applications

Through high energy collisions of heavy ions, states of extreme density of baryonic matter are expected to be formed. Although the matter is in this state for a very short time, time scale estimates indicate that strong interactions are able to thermalize and cause collective flow in these systems. With the methods of field theory and statistical mechanics, a model for this type of matter is developed. The model predicts the temperatures, densities and pressures in these high density states of baryonic matter. A detailed analysis of such matter formed in the high energy collisions for presently available experimental facilities (and also for the next generation of accelerators) is carried out. This model is tested by a detailed analysis of the evaporation fragments observed at currently available energies and projectile and target types. Although of restricted applicability, there are very clear indications that collective phenomena are evidenced. Several future possible projects along this line are discussed