Analytical Solution of the Nonlinear Relativistic Boltzmann Equation

Abstract

We provide an exact analytical solution to the nonlinear relativistic Boltzmann equation for a homogeneous, anisotropically scattering massless gas. Utilizing a BKW-like trial solution, we cast the Boltzmann equation into a set of nonlinear coupled equations for scalar moments, based on which the analytical solution is derived. One remarkable feature of our analytical solution lies in the nontrivial scattering angle dependence. We also show that this analytical solution admits a stable fixed point corresponding to the equilibrium solution as long as the parameters are physically feasible. Furthermore, a clear correspondence between our solution and the BKW solution pertaining to nonrelativistic Maxwell molecules is established, thereby clarifying the non-existence of a BKW-type solution in the relativistic domain for massive particles.

14 pages, 2 figures, the form published in JHEP. Title changed, and a section discussing relation with massive and non-relativistic transport is added. Any questions, comments are welcome!

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Cited by in corpus (3)

• Maximally Symmetric Boost-Invariant Solutions of the Boltzmann Equation in Foliated Geometries
• Analytical solution and Lie algebra of the relativistic Boltzmann equation
• Normal mode analysis within relativistic massive transport