Abstract
THE stress-momentum-energy tensor of a relativistically perfect fluid in the absence of exterior forces is where h, i, j … = 1, 2, 3, 4, gij is the fundamental tensor of space-time (signature +), is the Minkowskian velocity of the macroscopical motion (ihih = 1), p the pressure and the proper energy-density. Elsewhere1 I have shown that a fluid is only perfect in the relativistic sense if it is “perfectly perfect”, that is, if not only viscosity but also heat conduction is negligible. So long as (1) holds, no transition of heat between adjacent parts of the fluid occurs and the motion takes place without increase of entropy.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
van Dantzig, D., "On the Phaenomenological Thermodynamics of Moving Matter". To be published in Physica.
Eddington, A. S., "The Mathematical Theory of Relativity", p. 122 (Cambridge, 1924).
Synge, J. L., Trans. Roy. Soc. Canada, (3), III, 28, 127–171 and 156 (1934). Proc. Lond. Math. Soc., (2), 43, 376–416 and 386 (1937).
Jüttner, F., Ann. Phys., (4), 34, 856–882 (1911); (4), 35, 145–161 (1911). Z. Phys., 47, 542–566 (1928). Tolman, R. C., Phil. Mag. 28, 583–600 (1914).
Cf. Pauli, W., Enz. Math. Wiss., 2, 692 (1920), where the older literature is mentioned.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
VAN DANTZIG, D. Stress Tensor and Particle Density in Special Relativity Theory. Nature 143, 855–856 (1939). https://doi.org/10.1038/143855a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/143855a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
