Searching for statistical equilibrium in a dynamical multifragmentation path

Abstract

A method for identifying statistical equilibrium stages in dynamical multifragmentation paths as provided by transport models, already successfully tested for for the reaction ^{129}Xe+^{119}Sn at 32 MeV/u is applied here to a higher energy reaction, ^{129}Xe+^{119}Sn at 50 MeV/u. The method evaluates equilibrium from the point of view of the microcanonical multifragmentation model (MMM) and reactions are simulated by means of the stochastic mean field model (SMF). A unique solution, corresponding to the maximum population of the system phase space, was identified suggesting that a huge part of the available phase space is occupied even in the case of the 50 MeV/u reaction, in presence of a considerable amount of radial collective flow. The specific equilibration time and volume are identified and differences between the two systems are discussed.Comment: 7 pages, 10 figures, accepted for publication in Physical Review