Intellectual merit: The production of the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP) from the Color-Glass Condensate (CGC) initial conditions in ultra-relativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions will be investigated with the transport theoretical method. The main focus will be on the effects of particle production on the space-time evolution and thermalization of the partonic system. The study will provide an in depth understanding of how the Color-Class Condensate evolves into the Quark-Gluon Plasma, when the ideal fluid behavior sets in, and to what extent the hot and dense nuclear system behaves like an ideal fluid. In addition to the thermalization study, several related research topics will be investigated including using heavy quarks to study the strongly interacting QGP and characterization of thermal properties of cascade simulations. Broader impacts: The project will involve undergraduate research assistants. It involves large scale computer simulations. The research experience and computer skills will give students valuable preparation for graduate school or future workforce.
