Abstract
We present a new derivation of the conservative form of the general relativistic Boltzmann equation and specialize it to the metric. The resulting transport equation is intended for use in simulations involving numerical relativity, particularly in the absence of spherical symmetry. The independent variables are lab frame coordinate basis spacetime position components and comoving frame curvilinear momentum space coordinates. With an eye toward astrophysical applications—such as core-collapse supernovae and compact object mergers—in which the fluid includes nuclei and/or nuclear matter at finite temperature and in which the transported particles are neutrinos, we examine the relationship between lepton number and four-momentum exchange between neutrinos and the fluid.
- Received 30 April 2013
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.88.023011
© 2013 American Physical Society