On the validity of the Onsager relations in an inert multiple dilute gas mixture

Abstract

Within the postulates of linear irreversible thermodynamics, the Onsager reciprocity relations between the thermal diffusion and diffusion thermo effect coefficients in a multiple mixture of inert dilute gases obtained via the kinetic theory of gases are shown to hold true when the proper representation is chosen. Differences in the identification of transport coefficients in other representations are discussed both from the theoretical as well as the experimental point of view.