Hydrodynamic models of ultrarelativistic collisions

Understand

We discuss the use of the hydrodynamic model for the description of the evolution of dense matter formed in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions.

• The collective flow observed in heavy-ion collisions at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and at the CERN Large Hadron Collider is consistent with the assumption that a fireball of strongly interacting matter is formed.
• Experimental results from p-Pb and d-Au collisions show similar phenomena, which suggests that collective expansion appears in small systems as well.
• We review the recent application of the hydrodynamic model to small systems and discuss limitations and possible further checks of this scenario.