Abstract:
Zubarev's method is used to derive equations corresponding to Grad's ten-moment approximation
for a fluid of structureless particles. The nonequilibrium state of the system is described
by not only the ordinary hydrodynamic variables but also by the components of viscosity
stress tensor. It is assumed that the correlation radius is small compared with the
inhomogeneity scales of the macroscopic variables. Equations that are analogous to Grad's
equations linearized with respect to the gradients are obtained under the assumption that the
correlation time scales for the coordinate functions and the momenta are very different. Expressions
are obtained for the times of shear and dilatational relaxation in terms of the time
correlation functions. The shear relaxation time calculated by means of this expression for
a rarefied gas coincides with Grad's result. If approximations are not introduced for the
correlation functions, agreement is obtained with the result of the ordinary statistical approach.
Thus, the introduction of fluxes to describe a macroscopic equilibrium state does
not lead to new hydrodynamic equations, but it may be useful for various approximations.