Quantum fluid dynamics within a relativistic density-functional framework

Abstract

The authors explore certain interconnections between density-functional theory and quantum fluid dynamics of many-electron systems, in the relativistic domain following the hydrodynamical approach adopted by Takabayashi for the one-particle Dirac equation. In order to build a 'classical' hydrodynamical interpretation, the spinor formulation is transformed into a tensor formulation by defining a number of density functions (local observables). These lead to six 'classical' fluid dynamic equations, together with two subsidiary conditions, for a complete specification of the system. The various density functions and the hydrodynamical equations are physically interpreted. The relativistic hydrodynamics discussed here correspond to a 'spinning' fluid. The net many-electron fluid consists of components each of which is characterised by fluid dynamic quantities corresponding to each spinor. The net hydrodynamical quantities are obtained by summing over the occupied spinors. Thus, the earlier nonrelativistic 'classical' picture of the many-electron fluid as a collection of individual fluid components is also valid in the relativistic domain.