On material frame-indifference (Q5903271)

This work tries to give a very precise mathematical definition of observers and, simultaneously, a correct mathematical representation of the principle of material frame-indifference (material objectivity) as it is nowadays applied in continuum thermodynamics. The original way followed thus formulates a space-time model in absolute terms, i.e., only with the notions of space-time that are independent of observers. This is a progress over the last formulation of the said principle given by \textit{W. Noll} [ibid. 52, 62-92 (1973; Zbl 0284.73002)]. After mathematical definitions the author surveys the nonrelativistic space-time model that he has exposed at length in a monograph published in Hungary [A concept of mathematical physics. Models of space-time (1984; Zbl 0545.53027)]. The necessary notions such as those of world lines, vectors and tensors, observers, differentiation and integration, are precisely defined before dealing with the basic balance equations of continuum and kinetic theories. Constitutive equations practically need not be studied in detail because the principle of material frame- indifference happens to be satisfied as a matter of fact since all quantities introduced are absolute and observer independent. The paper is highly mathematical in style.