A Database of Fragmentation Cross Section Measurements Applicable to Cosmic Ray Propagation Calculations

A database of single particle inclusive fragment production cross section measurements was established and is accessible over common computer networks. These measurements were obtained from both published literature and direct communication with experimenters and include cross sections for nuclear beams on H, He, and heavier targets, and for H and He beams on nuclear targets, for energies greater than 30 MeV/nucleon. These cross sections are directly applicable to calculations involving cosmic ray nuclear interactions with matter. The data base includes projectile, target, and fragment specifications, beam energy, cross section with uncertainty, literature reference, and comment code. It is continuously updated to assure accuracy and completeness. Also available are widely used semi-empirical formulations for calculating production cross sections and excitation functions. The data base is discussed in detail and how it can be accessed, is described. The measurements are compared with semi-empirical calculations and areas are pointed out where improved calculations and further cross section measurements are required.