Relativistic non-equilibrium thermodynamics revisited

TL;DR

This paper reformulates relativistic irreversible thermodynamics using a classical approach, clearly distinguishing energy fluxes, and demonstrates that linear laws ensure consistency with thermodynamics and causality.

Contribution

It introduces a reformulation of relativistic thermodynamics that parallels the non-relativistic case, emphasizing the separation of energy fluxes and ensuring theoretical consistency.

Findings

Equations mirror non-relativistic entropy production and energy relations.

Linear constitutive laws maintain thermodynamic and causal consistency.

Clarifies the distinction between mechanical and non-mechanical energy fluxes.

Abstract

Relativistic irreversible thermodynamics is reformulated following the conventional approach proposed by Meixner in the non-relativistic case. Clear separation between mechanical and non-mechanical energy fluxes is made. The resulting equations for the entropy production and the local internal energy have the same structure as the non-relativistic ones. Assuming linear constitutive laws, it is shown that consistency is obtained both with the laws of thermodynamics and causality.