Dynamical freeze-out in three-fluid hydrodynamics

The freeze-out procedure accepted in a model of three-fluid dynamics is analyzed. This procedure is formulated in terms of drain terms in hydrodynamic equations. The dynamics of freeze-out is illustrated by one-dimensional simulations. It is demonstrated that the resulting freeze-out reveals a nontrivial dynamics depending on initial conditions in the expanding 'fireball'. The freeze-out front is not just defined 'geometrically' on the condition of the freeze-out criterion met but rather is a subject of fluid evolution. It competes with the fluid flow and does not always reach the place where the freeze-out criterion is met. Dynamics of the freeze-out in three-dimensional simulations is analyzed. It is demonstrated that the late stage of central nuclear collisions at the top energies available at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron is of the form of three (two baryon-rich and one baryon-free) fireballs separated from each other.