[en] We review the theoretical arguments indicating that hadronic matter dissolves into a quark gluon plasma at energy densities only one order of magnitude above the energy density in nuclei and point out that such energy densities can be achieved in nuclear collisions at 10 to 1000 AGeV. 17 references

[en] The maximum energy density achieved in nuclear collisions is estimated in this energy range. Stopping power and longitudinal growth are discussed. We show that for lab energies > 100 AGeV energy densities high enough to produce a plasma can be reached. Cosmic-ray data support these calculations and suggest a possible novel signature of the plasma phase transition

[en] In continuing work on nuclear stopping power in the energy range E/sub lab/ approx. 10 GeV/nucleon, calculations were made of the energy and baryon densities that could be achieved in uranium-uranium collisions. Results are shown. The energy density reached could exceed 2 GeV/fm³ and baryon densities could reach as high as ten times normal nuclear densities

[en] Issues connected with independent string fragmentation, initial conditions, and hadronic transport in light ion reactions at AGS and SPS are discussed. 19 refs., 2 figs

[en] The Wichmann-Kroll formalism for calculating the vacuum polarization density to first order in α but to all orders in Zα is derived. The most essential quantity is shown to be the electrons Green's function in these calculations. The method of constructing that Green's function in the field of finite radius nuclei is then presented

[en] Some of the recent theoretical developments in relativistic (0.5 to 2.0-GeV/nucleon) nuclear collisions are reviewed. The statistical model, hydrodynamic model, classical equation of motion calculations, billiard ball dynamics, and intranuclear cascade models are discussed in detail. Inclusive proton and pion spectra are analyzed for a variety of reactions. Particular attention is focused on how the complex interplay of the basic reaction mechanism hinders attempts to deduce the nuclear matter equation of state from data. 102 references, 19 figures

[en] The spatial dependence of the energy deposition in the fragmentation regions is estimated for nuclear collisions at ISR energies, √s/A >approx. 30 GeV/nucleon. Two models (the trailing cascade and sequential decay scenarios) are contrasted. The results are compared to the quark-gluon plasma energy density computed via QCD lattice methods

[en] The treatment of high energy nuclear reaction models covers goals of such collisions, the choice of theoretical framework, the zoo of models (p inclusive), light composites, models versus experiment, conclusions drawn, needed experiments, and pion production. 30 diagrams

[en] The progress made toward uncovering signatures of collective phenomena is reviewed. Elements of the basic reaction mechanism leading to a complex background are first discussed. Possible hints of collective phenomena in proton and pion single and double inclusive spectra as well as π^- multiplicity data are then described. 6 figures, 2 tables

[en] Two aspects of multipion production in nuclear collisions are discussed: the negative pion multiplicity distribution and the π^-π^- correlation function. The emphasis is on how these observables could be used to search for signals of collective phenomena in nuclear collisions. 2 figures