A variational formulation of the governing equations of ideal quantum fluids

Abstract: Applying the least action principle to the motion of an ideal gas, we find Bernoulli's equation where the local velocity is expressed as the gradient of a velocity potential, while the internal energy depends on the interaction among the particles of the gas. Then, assuming that the internal energy is proportional non-locally to the logarithm of the mass density and truncating the resulting sum of density gradients after the second term, we find an additional Bohm's quantum potential term in the internal energy. Therefore, the Bernoulli equation reduces to the Madelung equation, revealing a novel classical description of quantum fluids that does not require to postulate quantum mechanics. Finally, non-locality can be removed by introducing a retarded potential, thus leading to a covariant formulation of the quantum potential and of the equation of motion of an ideal quantum fluid.