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Theory of organization in nature: Pulsating physiological processes

Publication ,  Journal Article
Bejan, A
Published in: International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer
January 1, 1997

This paper shows that thermodynamic optimization provides a common theoretical basis for the existence of the finely tuned frequencies of pulsating processes of animals. In respiration and circulation, the minimization of mechanical power consumption subject to finite contact area and mass transfer (metabolic) rate constraints also explains why frequencies decrease as the body size (M) increases. For example, it is shown that the optimal breathing and heartbeat time intervals should increase as M0.24, which is in excellent agreement with experimental data. It is also shown that the breathing and heartbeat time intervals should be of the same order of magnitude. In ejaculation, the maximization of the mechanical power transmitted to the ejected seminal fluid explains the existence of an optimal bursting time interval. The deterministic method of thermodynamic optimization predicts temporal organization in Nature, and extends thermodynamics to the field of biology. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Published In

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

DOI

ISSN

0017-9310

Publication Date

January 1, 1997

Volume

40

Issue

9

Start / End Page

2097 / 2104

Related Subject Headings

  • Mechanical Engineering & Transports
  • 51 Physical sciences
  • 49 Mathematical sciences
  • 40 Engineering
  • 09 Engineering
  • 02 Physical Sciences
  • 01 Mathematical Sciences
 

Citation

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ICMJE
MLA
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Bejan, A. (1997). Theory of organization in nature: Pulsating physiological processes. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 40(9), 2097–2104. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0017-9310(96)00291-8
Bejan, A. “Theory of organization in nature: Pulsating physiological processes.” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer 40, no. 9 (January 1, 1997): 2097–2104. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0017-9310(96)00291-8.
Bejan A. Theory of organization in nature: Pulsating physiological processes. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. 1997 Jan 1;40(9):2097–104.
Bejan, A. “Theory of organization in nature: Pulsating physiological processes.” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 40, no. 9, Jan. 1997, pp. 2097–104. Scopus, doi:10.1016/S0017-9310(96)00291-8.
Bejan A. Theory of organization in nature: Pulsating physiological processes. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. 1997 Jan 1;40(9):2097–2104.
Journal cover image

Published In

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

DOI

ISSN

0017-9310

Publication Date

January 1, 1997

Volume

40

Issue

9

Start / End Page

2097 / 2104

Related Subject Headings

  • Mechanical Engineering & Transports
  • 51 Physical sciences
  • 49 Mathematical sciences
  • 40 Engineering
  • 09 Engineering
  • 02 Physical Sciences
  • 01 Mathematical Sciences