An improved description of hadronization in the QCD cluster model for e+e- annihilation

A simple cluster model for limited-psub(t) jets is developed. The formalism combines a string model description of color screening in non-perturbative QCD and an accurate parameterization of hadron production from low-mass clusters. The non-perturbative description of soft color evolution is found to provide a substantial improvement on present, purely perturbative QCD-cluster models. An extended model including hard perturbative QCD radiation is also presented. Results of this composite model are found to be in good agreement with experimental results for e+e- annihilation over the entire energy range 3 GeV<=Esub(CM)<=35 GeV. Shortcomings in the present formalism are examined and specific suggestions for further improvements are made. (orig.)