Muon density spectra as a probe of the muon component predicted by air shower simulations

The KASCADE experiment measures local muon densities of air-showers in the knee region at various core distances for two different muon energy thresholds. Muon density spectra have been reconstructed for the total EAS sample, as well as for particular subsamples with enhanced light and heavy induced EAS, classified on the basis of the shower size ratio Nμ/Ne. By comparing these spectra for different muon energy detection thresholds and core distances with detailed Monte Carlo simulations each spectrum should result in the same primary energy spectrum. This allows a comprehensive test of the simulation procedures of the muon lateral distribution and the muon energy spectrum by various Monte Carlo codes. Different combinations of high-energy and low-energy interaction models in the frame of the CORSIKA code are used for comparisons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]