Validation of MC Models of Spallation Reactions in Thin and Thick Targets in the GeV Range

In the framework of new projects of intense spallation neutron sources an extensive experimental and theoretical effort is devoted to the precise prediction and optimization of the targets and shielding in terms of reaction cross sections, hadronic interaction lengths and usable neutrons produced in proton induced spallation reactions. Strong constraints on Monte-Carlo high energy transport codes are put by a measurement campaign of the NESSI (NEeutron Scintillator and Silicon detector) collaboration. While the predictive power of inter- and intranuclear cascade models coupled to evaporation codes and transport systems is excellent as far as neutron production in thick targets is concerned, there are considerable discrepancies not only between experiments and models, but also among the different codes themselves when regarding charged particle production in thin targets. In the current contribution a representative validation will be executed and possible deficiencies within the codes are elaborated.