Is relativistic hydrodynamics always symmetric-hyperbolic in the linear regime?

Abstract

Close to equilibrium, the kinetic coefficients of a thermodynamic system must satisfy a set of symmetry conditions, which follow from the Onsager-Casimir principle. Here, we show that, if a system of hydrodynamic equations is analyzed from the perspective of the Onsager-Casimir principle, then it is possible to impose very strong symmetry conditions also on the principal part of such equations (the part with highest derivatives). In particular, we find that, in the absence of macroscopic magnetic fields and spins, relativistic hydrodynamics should always be symmetric-hyperbolic, when linearized about equilibrium. We use these results to prove that Carter's multifluid theory and the Israel-Stewart theory in the pressure frame are both symmetric-hyperbolic in the linear regime. Connections with the GENERIC formalism are also explored.