The primary objective of this U.S.-Hungary cooperative science project between Dr. Nandor Balazs of the State University of New York, Stony Brook, and Dr. I. Lovas of the Institute for Nuclear Research, Budapest, is to use statistical mechanical methods to formulate descriptions of relativistic nuclear (heavy ion) collisions. Various aspects of the research will combine techniques drawn from condensed matter physics, nuclear physics and particle physics to focus on the central problem of signatures (transient formation) of quark plasma effects. Joint efforts should contribute to further development of the kinetic theory of quark-gluon plasma and, potentially, yield useful models of the hadronization process. This project in theoretical physics fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complementary talents, pool resources and share research facilities in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.
