Paradoxes in the Boltzmann kinetic theory

Abstract

Paradoxes in the Boltzmann kinetic theory are presented. Firstly, it is pointed out that the usual notion concerning the perfect continuity of distribution function is not generally valid; in many important situations using certain types of discontinuous distribution functions is an absolute must. Secondly, it is revealed that there is no time reversibility in terms of beam-to-beam collisions and, in connection with this, there are intrinsic difficulties in formulating the net change of molecular density due to collisions, either in the three-dimensional velocity space or in the six-dimensional phase space. With help of simple examples, the paradoxes manifest themselves clearly.