Differential cross sections for pi(+) + C-12 elastic scattering in the
energy range of 18-44 MeV for six scattering angles have been measure
d with an increment in the incident energy of 2 MeV. The measured cros
s sections are compared to calculations within the framework of a unit
ary scattering theory of the pion-nucleus interaction. It is shown tha
t the excitation function at angles around 90 degrees is dominated by
the D wave of the pion-nucleus interaction. [S0556-2813(98)05605-2].