Skip to main content

The physics origin of the hierarchy of bodies in space

Publication ,  Journal Article
Bejan, A; Wagstaff, RW
Published in: Journal of Applied Physics
March 7, 2016

Here we show that bodies of the same size suspended uniformly in space constitute a system (a "suspension") in a state of uniform volumetric tension because of mass-to-mass forces of attraction. The system "snaps" hierarchically, and evolves faster to a state of reduced tension when the bodies coalesce spontaneously nonuniformly, i.e., hierarchically, into few large and many small bodies suspended in the same space. Hierarchy, not uniformity, is the design that emerges, and it is in accord with the constructal law. The implications of this principle of physics in natural organization and evolution are discussed.

Duke Scholars

Altmetric Attention Stats
Dimensions Citation Stats

Published In

Journal of Applied Physics

DOI

EISSN

1089-7550

ISSN

0021-8979

Publication Date

March 7, 2016

Volume

119

Issue

9

Related Subject Headings

  • Applied Physics
  • 51 Physical sciences
  • 49 Mathematical sciences
  • 40 Engineering
  • 09 Engineering
  • 02 Physical Sciences
  • 01 Mathematical Sciences
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Bejan, A., & Wagstaff, R. W. (2016). The physics origin of the hierarchy of bodies in space. Journal of Applied Physics, 119(9). https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4941986
Bejan, A., and R. W. Wagstaff. “The physics origin of the hierarchy of bodies in space.” Journal of Applied Physics 119, no. 9 (March 7, 2016). https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4941986.
Bejan A, Wagstaff RW. The physics origin of the hierarchy of bodies in space. Journal of Applied Physics. 2016 Mar 7;119(9).
Bejan, A., and R. W. Wagstaff. “The physics origin of the hierarchy of bodies in space.” Journal of Applied Physics, vol. 119, no. 9, Mar. 2016. Scopus, doi:10.1063/1.4941986.
Bejan A, Wagstaff RW. The physics origin of the hierarchy of bodies in space. Journal of Applied Physics. 2016 Mar 7;119(9).

Published In

Journal of Applied Physics

DOI

EISSN

1089-7550

ISSN

0021-8979

Publication Date

March 7, 2016

Volume

119

Issue

9

Related Subject Headings

  • Applied Physics
  • 51 Physical sciences
  • 49 Mathematical sciences
  • 40 Engineering
  • 09 Engineering
  • 02 Physical Sciences
  • 01 Mathematical Sciences