Dynamics of the QCD phase transition in relativistic heavy-ion collisions

This dissertation builds a framework for the incorporation of the effects of a first-order deconfinement phase transition in relativistic heavy ion collisions. An observable denoted by the symbol Ω useful to quantify the expected increase in net baryon number fluctuations—as a result of this phase transition—is proposed and examined. Values of Ω in the absence of such a transition are presented. Methods adapted from condensed matter physics are combined with techniques from dissipative relativistic fluid dynamics to derive a covariant version of the Cahn-Hilliard equation. This equation is then solved numerically (mainly for Bjorken-type collisions exhibiting Bjorken longitudinal expansion) for a variety of scenarios and initial conditions. The essential finding of this thesis is that the deconfinement transition has the potential to elevate Ω from negative to positive values. Finally, suggestions for further refinement are presented.