The golden ratio predicted : Vision , cognition and locomotionotion as a single designin nature

Shapes with length/height ratios (L/H) close to 3/2 are everywhere and give the impression that they are being 'designed' to match the golden ratio (φ = 1.618). Here I show that these shapes emerge as part of an evolutionary phenomenon that facilitates the flow of information from the plane to the brain, in accordance with the constructal law of generation and evolution of design in nature. The time required by the eyes to scan a rectangular area L × H is minimal when the shape is L/H = VL/VH, where V L and VH are the horizontal and vertical scanning speeds. This special shape is such that the time for scanning long and fast (L/V L) is the same as the time for short and slow (H/VH). I also show that VL/VH is approximately 3/2 and that consequently L/H ̃ 3/2. This natural evolutionary design is an integral part of the universal constructal design that facilitates the flow of the biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere on earth. Vision, cognition and locomotion are features of a single design for movement of animal mass with easier and easier access in time, all over the globe. © 2009 WIT Press.

Duke Scholars

Author Adrian Bejan Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materia ...