Skip to main content
Journal cover image

Constructal-theory tree networks of "constant" thermal resistance

Publication ,  Journal Article
Neagu, M; Bejan, A
Published in: Journal of Applied Physics
July 15, 1999

In this article we show that the global thermal resistance to flow between a volume and one point can be reduced to unprecedented levels by shaping the external boundary of each volume element. This degree of freedom is optimized, next to internal features such as the shape and volume fraction of the high-conductivity channels. The volume is covered in a sequence of optimization and assembly steps that proceeds toward larger sizes. The resulting architecture is a leaf-like tree structure with high-conductivity nerves and low-conductivity leaf material. The same constant resistance characterizes the flow from each point on the periphery of the structure to the common sink point. Nearly optimal structures in which the leaf shapes are replaced by needle-like (triangle-in-triangle) shapes are also developed. The fractal-like character of these designs and their relevance to the trend toward fractal-like properties in natural flow structures are discussed in the concluding section of the article. © 1999 American Institute of Physics.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Journal of Applied Physics

DOI

ISSN

0021-8979

Publication Date

July 15, 1999

Volume

86

Issue

2

Start / End Page

1136 / 1144

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
Neagu, M., & Bejan, A. (1999). Constructal-theory tree networks of "constant" thermal resistance. Journal of Applied Physics, 86(2), 1136–1144. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.370855
Neagu, M., and A. Bejan. “Constructal-theory tree networks of "constant" thermal resistance.” Journal of Applied Physics 86, no. 2 (July 15, 1999): 1136–44. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.370855.
Neagu M, Bejan A. Constructal-theory tree networks of "constant" thermal resistance. Journal of Applied Physics. 1999 Jul 15;86(2):1136–44.
Neagu, M., and A. Bejan. “Constructal-theory tree networks of "constant" thermal resistance.” Journal of Applied Physics, vol. 86, no. 2, July 1999, pp. 1136–44. Scopus, doi:10.1063/1.370855.
Neagu M, Bejan A. Constructal-theory tree networks of "constant" thermal resistance. Journal of Applied Physics. 1999 Jul 15;86(2):1136–1144.
Journal cover image

Published In

Journal of Applied Physics

DOI

ISSN

0021-8979

Publication Date

July 15, 1999

Volume

86

Issue

2

Start / End Page

1136 / 1144

Related Subject Headings

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