Interactions of the heavy nuclei of the cosmic radiation

We have observed in a systematic manner 317 nuclear interactions produced by the heavy nuclei of the primary cosmic radiation in nuclear emulsions. From a study of these interactions we have found the interaction mean free paths and fragmentation probabilities. The interaction mean free path are in good agreement with those reported previously. The fragmentation probabilities, particularly those for the production of light nuclei, are considerably smaller than those currently accepted. In addition, from a study of the angular distribution of the nuclei emitted from the interactions we have shown that the energies of emission in the C-system of the incident nucleus are greater than those previously accepted and depend on the charge of the primary nucleus.