Fluid dynamic limits of kinetic equations. I. Formal derivations

The connection between kinetic theory and the macroscopic equations of fluid dynamics is described. In particular, our results concerning the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are based on a formal derivation in which limiting moments are carefully balanced rather than on a classical expansion such as those of Hilbert or Chapman-Enskog. The moment formalism shows that the limit leading to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, like that leading to the compressible Euler equations, is a natural one in kinetic theory and is contrasted with the systematics leading to the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. Some indications of the validity of these limits are given. More specifically, the connection between the DiPerna-Lions renormalized solution of the classical Boltzmann equation and the Leray solution of the Navier-Stokes equations is discussed.