Energy dependence of inelasticity from high-energy cosmic ray reactions

The authors point out the possible correlation between inelasticity and cross section emerging from the analysis of different cosmic ray experiments. This correlation could be used for the determination of the actual value and of the energy dependence of inelasticity in cosmic ray experiments. This energy dependence is discussed for a representative sample of theoretical models of multiparticle production. Present cosmic ray data are compatible with a decrease of inelasticity with energy, similar to that found in accelerator data.