A linear transport equation for wave phenomena
Marijan Ribarič, Luka Šušteršič · Transport Theory and Statistical Physics · 1987
We formulate a linear, time dependent transport equation for vector wave phenomena by considering a three—dimensional space filled up homogeneously with isotropic bundles of linear ideal flexible strings which are linearly coupled at each point. We determine the restrictions imposed on the form of such a transport equation by the requirements of isotropy, space inversion, time—invariance, causality, time—reversal, conservation of mechanical work in the case of periodic phenomena, and generalizations of Newton's third law. We give few examples of a linear, time—dependent transport equation for wave phenomena. We consider a strong coupling limit where wave equations give an adequate asymptotic description; in particular, we obtain simple mechanical models of elastic media whose wave phenomena are described by Maxwell's equations. In this way we provide a new paradigm for interpretation of wave phenomena as the strong coupling limit of a particular kind of transport phenomenon.