Energetic particle transport in relativistic flows

Abstract

A discussion is given of pitch angle dependent and diffusive transport equations for cosmic rays applicable for both special relativistic and general relativistic flows, derived from the relativistic Boltzmann equation. As an example of particle transport in a curved spacetime we give a pitch angle dependent transport equation appropriate for radial accretion onto a Schwarzschild black hole. The roles of fluid shear, acceleration and compression on the energy changes of particles in the diffusive transport equations are emphasized. Also discussed are special flows (e.g. rigidly rotating flows) associated with a Killing vector for which a constant of the motion of the particles can be identified, and for which simplified transport equations can be constructed.