On the Statistical Foundations of Kaluza's Magnetohydrodynamics

Abstract

The introduction of electromagnetic fields into the Boltzmann equation following a 5D general relativistic approach is considered in order to establish the transport equations for dilute charged fluids in the presence of a weak electromagnetic field. The conserved 5D stress-energy tensor is evaluated using the J\"uttner function for non-degenerate relativistic gases in local equilibrium, and the evolution equations for the local thermodynamic variables are established by means of relativistic kinetic theory. An outline of the possibilities offered by the Kaluza-type approach to MHD is also included.