Continuum equations of balance in classical statistical mechanics (Q1091838)

There are several attempts in using the description of matter by means of statistical mechanics in order to produce gross quantities, which ought to satisfy the equations of balance for continuous media. By treating moleculas as Newtonian mass-points subject to nonconservative intermolecular forces, i.e. allowing dependence upon the velocities as well as the positions of particles, the author extends the class of molecular motions, potentially encompassing models for bodies with internal structure. Assuming that the principle of action and reaction holds, and that all inertial frames are physically indistinguishable, the author shows that the stress tensor is symmetric. It is shown partially, that if one wishes to compare the equations of balance constructed in Sec. 3 of the paper, with their analogues in continuum mechanics, and if one aims at giving a status to continuum constitutive relations within statistical mechanics, then one must divide internal forces into long- range and short-range parts. Moreover, only latter terms should enter the flux, whereas the former together with external forces, should remain in the source terms.