The predictions of the intranuclear cascade model for pion-nucleus reactions is reexamined in view of new experimental and theoretical developments that affect the understanding of the true pion absorption process. A strong suppression of pion absorption on $T=1\mathrm{}$ nucleon pairs causes only slight differences in the intranuclear cascade predictions since there is an isospin-dependent distance restriction in the model. We have also shown that the data that were interpreted as an indication for double-$\Delta$ excitation can be explained also by sequential delta formation prior to absorption.

• Received 14 February 1984

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.30.720