Third flow component as QGP signal

A review of earlier fluid dynamical calculations with QGP show a softening of the directed flow while with hadronic matter this effect is absent. The effect shows up in the reaction plane as enhanced emission which is orthogonal to the directed flow. Thus, it is not shadowed by the deflected projectile and target. As both of these flow components are in the reaction plane they form an enhanced `elliptic flowʹ pattern. Recent experimental data at 11 AGeV and above show the same softening, hinting at QGP formation.