Objectivity, kinetic theory, and extended irreversible thermodynamics (Q1101271)

The aim of this paper is twofold. Firstly, to show that extended thermodynamics is in agreement with the kinetic theory of gases, secondly, to conciliate objectivity and the kinetic theory. As an illustration, a one-component viscous fluid at non-uniform temperature is considered. The field equations of the fluid are established in a non- inertial frame by using the technique of extended irreversible thermodynamics, which elevates the heat flux and the pressure tensor to the status of independent variables. A simplified linear version of the theory is carried out and compared with the kinetic theory of gases. The results are in excellent agreement with Grad's theory of dilute gases and Schmidt-Köhler-Hess' model of dense fluids [\textit{G. Schmidt}, \textit{W. E. Köhler} and \textit{S. Hess}, Z. Naturforsch., Teil A 36, 545-553 (1981; Zbl 0583.76090)].