Thermal Transport in a Higher-Order Generalized Hydrodynamics

Thermal transport in classical fluids is analyzed in terms of a Higher-Order Generalized Hydrodynamics (or Mesoscopic Hydro-Thermodynamics) , that is, depending on the evolution of the energy density and its fluxes of all orders. Its derived in terms of a kinetic theory based on the Non-Equilibrium Ensemble Formalism. The general system of coupled evolution equations is derived. Maxwell times which are of large relevance to determine the character of the motion are derived. They also have a quite important role for the choice for the contraction of description (limitation in the number of fluxes to be retained) in the study of the hydrodynamic motion. Nowadays, new and elaborated experimental, technological , and industrial situations require new and advanced phisico-chemical theoretical formalisms. We consider here one such case, which appears to provide a good illustration: the so called Therma laser Stereolithography. This is a recent technological process that allows solid physical parts to be made directly and rapidly from computer data. In a description of order one it is presented an analysis of the conditions necessary for a satisfactory characterization of the technological process of thermal prototyping. We also consider the nonequilibrium thermodynamic aspects of the related techno-industrial process of thermal laser stereolithography.