ALPHA-CLUSTER DESCRIPTION OF EXCITATION-ENERGIES IN C-12(C-12,3-ALPHA)X AT 2.1A GEV

An alpha-cluster expansion of the Glauber multiple scatteirng series is used to calculate the energy transfer spectrum to the C-12 projectile in the C-12(C-12,3alpha)X reaction at 2.1A GeV. Cluster-abrasion response functions are defined in terms of alpha-cluster wave function and the collision dynamics appropriate for heavy-ion reactions. Comparisons are made to recent quasiexclusive experimental data with good agreement found. Calculations indicate that substructures in a C-12 projectile are likely to be true spectators in fragmentation, however, with virtual states of excitation in the projectile ground state making a significant contribution to the fragmentation cross section.