Comparison of model predictions for elliptic flow with experiment for Pb+Pb collisions at sqrt{sNN}=2.76 TeV

Abstract

A simple kinematic model based on the superposition of p+p collisions, relativistic geometry and hadronic rescattering is used to predict the elliptic flow observable in sqrt{sNN} = 2.76 TeV Pb+Pb collisions. A short proper time for hadronization is assumed. The predictions are compared with recent experimental measurements of elliptic flow which have been made for this colliding system and energy. It is found that the model predictions do a reasonable job in describing the experimental results, suggesting that the parton phase in these collisions may be short-lived.

Comments: 4 pages, 2 figures, submitted to Physical Review, typo corrected, discussion augmented