Relativistic transport theory for simple fluids to first order in the gradients

In this paper we show how using a relativistic kinetic equation the ensuing expression for the heat flux can be cast in the form required by Classical Irreversible Thermodynamics. Indeed, it is linearly related to the temperature and number density gradients and not to the acceleration as the so called “first order in the gradients” theories propose. Since the specific expressions for the transport coefficients are irrelevant for our purposes, the BGK form of the kinetic equation is used. Moreover, from the resulting hydrodynamic equations it is readily seen that the equilibrium state is stable in the presence of the spontaneous fluctuations in the transverse hydrodynamic velocity mode of the simple relativistic fluid. The implications of this result are thoroughly discussed.