Cosmological bulk viscosity, the Burnett regime, and the BGK equation

Abstract

Einstein's field equations in FRW space-times are coupled to the BGK equation in order to derive the stress energy tensor including dissipative effects up to second order in the thermodynamical forces. The space-time is assumed to be matter-dominated, but in a low density regime for which a second order (Burnett) coefficient becomes relevant. Cosmological implications of the solutions, as well as the physical meaning of transport coefficients in an isotropic homogeneous universe are discussed.