Time-dependent Dirac equation with relativistic mean-field dynamics applied to heavy-ion scattering

We treat the relativistic propagation of nucleons coupled to scalar- and vector-meson fields in a mean-field approximation. The time-dependent Dirac and mean--meson-field equations are solved numerically in three dimensions. Collisions of /sup 16/O (300, 600, and 1200 MeV/nucleon) +/sup 16/O are studied for various impact parameters. The results are compared to other recent theoretical approaches. The calculations predict spallation, large transverse-momentum transfer, and positive-angle sidewards flow, in qualitative agreement with the data in this energy regime.