1207.2733 (A. Sandoval-Villalbazo et al.)

Tolman's law in linear irreversible thermodynamics: a kinetic theory
approach    [PDF]

A. Sandoval-Villalbazo, A. L. Garcia-Perciante, D. Brun-Battistini

In this paper it is shown that Tolman's law can be derived from relativistic kinetic theory applied to a simple fluid in a BGK-like approximation. Using this framework, it becomes clear that the contribution of the gravitational field can be viewed as a cross effect that resembles the so-called \emph{Thomson effect} in irreversible thermodynamics. A proper generalization of Tolman's law in an inhomogeneous medium is formally established based on these grounds.

View original: http://arxiv.org/abs/1207.2733