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Equipartition, optimal allocation, and the constructal approach to predicting organization in nature

Publication ,  Journal Article
Bejan, A; Tondeur, D
Published in: Revue Generale de Thermique
January 1, 1998

This is a review of recent engineering developments in thermodynamic optimization, which shed light on a universal design principle that accounts for macroscopic organization in nature. It is shown that the optimal performance of a finite-size system with purpose is always characterized by the equipartition of driving forces or the optimal allocation of material subject to overall constraints. Examples are drawn from natural inanimate systems (river basins, turbulent flow) and animate systems (living trees). It is shown that this principle also governs the architecture of tree networks. Tree networks can be obtained in purely deterministic fashion by minimizing the flow resistance (or the time of travel) between one point and a finite area or a finite volume (an infinite number of points). The shape of each volume element can be optimized for minimal flow resistance. The network is 'constructed' by assembling the shape-optimized building blocks, and proceeding in time from the smallest volume element toward larger constructs. In constructal theory small size and shapeless flow (diffusion) come first, and larger sizes and geometrical form (channels, streams) come later. © Elsevier.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Revue Generale de Thermique

DOI

ISSN

0035-3159

Publication Date

January 1, 1998

Volume

37

Issue

3

Start / End Page

165 / 180

Related Subject Headings

  • Mechanical Engineering & Transports
  • 4017 Mechanical engineering
  • 4012 Fluid mechanics and thermal engineering
  • 0915 Interdisciplinary Engineering
  • 0913 Mechanical Engineering
  • 0102 Applied Mathematics
 

Citation

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Bejan, A., & Tondeur, D. (1998). Equipartition, optimal allocation, and the constructal approach to predicting organization in nature. Revue Generale de Thermique, 37(3), 165–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0035-3159(97)83647-1
Bejan, A., and D. Tondeur. “Equipartition, optimal allocation, and the constructal approach to predicting organization in nature.” Revue Generale de Thermique 37, no. 3 (January 1, 1998): 165–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0035-3159(97)83647-1.
Bejan A, Tondeur D. Equipartition, optimal allocation, and the constructal approach to predicting organization in nature. Revue Generale de Thermique. 1998 Jan 1;37(3):165–80.
Bejan, A., and D. Tondeur. “Equipartition, optimal allocation, and the constructal approach to predicting organization in nature.” Revue Generale de Thermique, vol. 37, no. 3, Jan. 1998, pp. 165–80. Scopus, doi:10.1016/S0035-3159(97)83647-1.
Bejan A, Tondeur D. Equipartition, optimal allocation, and the constructal approach to predicting organization in nature. Revue Generale de Thermique. 1998 Jan 1;37(3):165–180.

Published In

Revue Generale de Thermique

DOI

ISSN

0035-3159

Publication Date

January 1, 1998

Volume

37

Issue

3

Start / End Page

165 / 180

Related Subject Headings

  • Mechanical Engineering & Transports
  • 4017 Mechanical engineering
  • 4012 Fluid mechanics and thermal engineering
  • 0915 Interdisciplinary Engineering
  • 0913 Mechanical Engineering
  • 0102 Applied Mathematics