Constructal theory of pattern formation
This review article shows that the occurrence of macroscopic flow configuration is a universal natural phenomenon that can be explained and predicted on the basis of a principle of physics (the constructal law): "For a flow system to persist in time (to survive) it must evolve in such a way...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Copernicus Publications
2007-01-01
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| Series: | Hydrology and Earth System Sciences |
| Online Access: | http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/753/2007/hess-11-753-2007.pdf |
| _version_ | 1811318690018230272 |
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| author | A. Bejan |
| author_facet | A. Bejan |
| author_sort | A. Bejan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This review article shows that the occurrence of macroscopic flow configuration is a universal natural phenomenon that can be explained and predicted on the basis of a principle of physics (the constructal law): "For a flow system to persist in time (to survive) it must evolve in such a way that it provides easier and easier access to the currents that flow through it". The examples given in this article come from natural inanimate flow systems with configuration: duct cross-sections, open channel cross-sections, tree-shaped flow architectures, and turbulent flow structure (e.g., eddies, laminar lengths before transition). Other examples that are treated in the literature, and which support the constructal law, are the wedge-shape of turbulent shear layers, jets and plumes, the frequency of vortex shedding, Bénard convection in fluids and fluid-saturated porous media, dendritic solidification, the coalescence of solid parcels suspended in a flow, global atmospheric and oceanic circulation and climate, and virtually all architectural features of animal design. The constructal law stresses the importance of reserving a place for pure theory in research, and for constantly searching for new physics – new summarizing principles that are general, hence useful. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-13T12:29:03Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-90bc52799bf247338326c49a6c17eec3 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1027-5606 1607-7938 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-13T12:29:03Z |
| publishDate | 2007-01-01 |
| publisher | Copernicus Publications |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Hydrology and Earth System Sciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-90bc52799bf247338326c49a6c17eec32022-12-22T02:46:54ZengCopernicus PublicationsHydrology and Earth System Sciences1027-56061607-79382007-01-01112753768Constructal theory of pattern formationA. BejanThis review article shows that the occurrence of macroscopic flow configuration is a universal natural phenomenon that can be explained and predicted on the basis of a principle of physics (the constructal law): "For a flow system to persist in time (to survive) it must evolve in such a way that it provides easier and easier access to the currents that flow through it". The examples given in this article come from natural inanimate flow systems with configuration: duct cross-sections, open channel cross-sections, tree-shaped flow architectures, and turbulent flow structure (e.g., eddies, laminar lengths before transition). Other examples that are treated in the literature, and which support the constructal law, are the wedge-shape of turbulent shear layers, jets and plumes, the frequency of vortex shedding, Bénard convection in fluids and fluid-saturated porous media, dendritic solidification, the coalescence of solid parcels suspended in a flow, global atmospheric and oceanic circulation and climate, and virtually all architectural features of animal design. The constructal law stresses the importance of reserving a place for pure theory in research, and for constantly searching for new physics – new summarizing principles that are general, hence useful.http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/753/2007/hess-11-753-2007.pdf |
| spellingShingle | A. Bejan Constructal theory of pattern formation Hydrology and Earth System Sciences |
| title | Constructal theory of pattern formation |
| title_full | Constructal theory of pattern formation |
| title_fullStr | Constructal theory of pattern formation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Constructal theory of pattern formation |
| title_short | Constructal theory of pattern formation |
| title_sort | constructal theory of pattern formation |
| url | http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/753/2007/hess-11-753-2007.pdf |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT abejan constructaltheoryofpatternformation |