Utilizing eikonal scattering theory, an optical model potential approximation to the exact nucleus–nucleus multiple scattering series is used in an abrasion–ablation collision formalism to predict abrasion cross sections for relativistic 20Ne projectile nuclei. Excellent agreement with recent experimental abrasion results is obtained. The sensitivity of the abrasion predictions to Pauli exclusion principle correlation effects and to the assumed shape of the nuclear single-particle density distribution is also demonstrated.