The stokes-kirchhoff relation in chemically reacting fluids

A generalized Kirchhoff-Stokes equation for the sound attenuation coefficient is derived from irreversible thermodynamics. The discrepancy between the experimental value of the absorption coefficient and the value calculated from the generalized equation is analyzed. In particular, the so-called effective bulk viscosity and the transport coefficient which links a chemical reaction to the viscous processes are emphasized. An experimental example illustrating the general situation is also given.