Abstract
In this chapter a relativistic gas in the presence of a gravitational field is studied. First, in order to define properly the scalar invariant corresponding to the one-particle distribution function, the transformation laws of the volume elements in phase space are considered. The Boltzmann equation and the general equation of transfer in the presence of a gravitational field are derived and the constraints imposed on the fields by the Boltzmann equation in the analysis of the states of equilibrium are discussed. As an application, the dynamic pressure and the entropy production rate in a homogeneous and isotropic universe are calculated.
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© 2002 Birkhäuser Verlag
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Cercignani, C., Kremer, G.M. (2002). Boltzmann Equation in Gravitational Fields. In: The Relativistic Boltzmann Equation: Theory and Applications. Progress in Mathematical Physics, vol 22. Birkhäuser, Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-8165-4_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-8165-4_12
Publisher Name: Birkhäuser, Basel
Print ISBN: 978-3-0348-9463-0
Online ISBN: 978-3-0348-8165-4
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