Scholars@Duke
Sylvie Lorente

Sylvie Lorente

Adjunct Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
lorente@insa-toulouse.fr
Box 90300, Durham, NC 27708-0300
144 Hudson Hall, Durham, NC 27708

Selected Publications

Design with Constructal Theory

Journal Article · September 9, 2008 This book shows how you can use the method of constructal theory to design human-made systems in order to reduce trial and error and increase the system performance. ... Cite

Constructal tree-shaped flow structures

Journal Article Applied Thermal Engineering · March 1, 2007 This paper is an introduction to a new trend in the conceptual design of energy systems: the generation of flow configuration based on the "constructal" principle that the global performance is maximized by balancing and arranging the various flow resistan ... Full text Cite

The single-valued diffusion coefficient for ionic diffusion through porous media

Journal Article Journal of Applied Physics · January 15, 2007 The current literature on ionic diffusion through porous media teaches that the diffusion coefficient is a complicated function depending on concentration, concentration gradient, and electrical potential gradient. This paper documents how natural ... Full text Cite

The influence of temperature levels on chloride diffusion through mortar

Journal Article Advances in Cement Research · January 2007 This work documents the effect of different temperature levels on chloride penetration through a saturated CEM-I mortar. The temperatures studied were 5, 21 and 35°C. In addition to experiments, a model based on multi-ionic diffusion is proposed. ... Full text Cite

Heterogeneous porous media as multiscale structures for maximum flow access

Journal Article Journal of Applied Physics · December 1, 2006 Natural porous structures are heterogeneous with multiple scales that are distributed nonuniformly. Few large pores (fissures, channels, and cracks) are accompanied by numerous finer channels. Can this type of flow architecture be attributed to a principle ... Full text Cite

Influence of the temperature on the chloride transport through cementitious materials

Journal Article Journal de Physique IV (Proceedings) · November 2006 Full text Cite

Vascularized materials: Tree-shaped flow architectures matched canopy to canopy

Journal Article Journal of Applied Physics · October 9, 2006 In this paper we develop flow architectures for "vascularizing" smart materials that have self-healing capabilities. The flow architectures are configured as two trees matched canopy to canopy. A single stream flows through both trees and bathes every subv ... Full text Cite

Constructal theory of generation of configuration in nature and engineering

Journal Article Journal of Applied Physics · September 11, 2006 Constructal theory is the view that the generation of flow configuration is a physics phenomenon that can be based on a physics principle (the constructal law): "For a finite-size flow system to persist in time (to survive) its configuration must evolve in ... Full text Cite

Tree-shaped flow structures with local junction losses

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · August 1, 2006 This paper is a fundamental study of the effect of junction losses on the optimized geometry of tree-shaped flows. Several classes of flows are investigated systematically in a T-shaped construct with fixed internal and external size: laminar with non-negl ... Full text Cite

Conduction tree networks with loops for cooling a heat generating volume

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · July 1, 2006 Tree-shaped networks are now being considered as small-scale architectures for high-densities in electronics cooling and fuel cells design. This paper documents the optimization of tree-shaped inserts of high thermal conductivity. The new feature is the pr ... Full text Cite

Vascularized materials: Grids of channels and trees matched canopy to canopy

Journal Article American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Advanced Energy Systems Division (Publication) AES · 2006 This is a fundamental study of how to discover the optimal flow architecture to vascularize a volume so that fluid flow and function (e.g. cooling, sensing, maintenance, repair, healing) reaches every point of the material. The presentation is made by disc ... Cite

Networks of channels for self-healing composite materials

Journal Article Journal of Applied Physics · 2006 This is a fundamental study of how to vascularize a self-healing composite material so that healing fluid reaches all the crack sites that may occur randomly through the material. The network of channels is built into the material and is filled with pressu ... Full text Link to item Cite

Constructal multi-scale structures for maximal heat transfer density

Journal Article Energy · January 1, 2006 This paper reviews recent constructal-theory advances: the optimal distribution of discrete heat sources cooled by laminar natural convection. Three scenarios are investigated: (i) many small heat sources mounted on a vertical wall, (i) a few small finite- ... Full text Cite

Vascularized networks with two optimized channel sizes

Journal Article Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics · 2006 This paper reports the development of optimal vascularization for supplying self-healing smart materials with liquid that fills and seals the cracks that may occur throughout their volume. The vascularization consists of two-dimensional grids of interconne ... Full text Link to item Cite

Scale Analysis of Electrodiffusion Through Porous Media

Journal Article Journal of Porous Media · 2006 Full text Cite

Sveltness, freedom to morph, and the constructal design of multi-scale flow structures

Journal Article American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Advanced Energy Systems Division (Publication) AES · December 1, 2005 This paper reviews recent progress on constructal theory and design. The emphasis is on the development of multi-scale, nonuniformly distributed flow structures that offer increased compactness (e.g., heat transfer density). Examples are counterflow heat e ... Full text Cite

Svelteness, freedom to morph, and constructal multi-scale flow structures

Journal Article International Journal of Thermal Sciences · December 1, 2005 This paper reviews recent progress on constructal theory and design. The emphasis is on the development of multi-scale, nonuniformly distributed flow structures that offer increased compactness (e.g., heat transfer density). Examples are counterflow heat e ... Full text Cite

Predictive model for chloride penetration through concrete

Journal Article Magazine of Concrete Research · November 2005 This work documents a numerical model, the objective of which is to predict the chloride penetration through saturated concrete. The model solves the Nernst–Planck/current law equations and accounts for the chloride interactions with the solid pha ... Full text Cite

Tree-shaped flow architectures: Strategies for increasing optimization speed and accuracy

Journal Article Numerical Heat Transfer; Part A: Applications · November 1, 2005 This article is about novel applications of computational heat transfer and fluid dynamics: the optimization and design of complex tree-shaped flow structures for cooling high-density heat-generating volumes (e.g., electronics). The focus is on computation ... Full text Cite

Constructal multi-scale and multi-objective structures

Journal Article International Journal of Energy Research · June 10, 2005 This is a review of recent progress on constructal design made in two directions: multi-scale flow structures, and multi-objective design. The first direction is associated with the maximization of heat transfer rate density in a fixed volume in the limit ... Full text Cite

Constructal multi-scale structures with asymmetric heat sources of finite thickness

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · June 1, 2005 This paper details the generation of multi-scale flow structure in a package with heat sources. The model is based on abandoning two common assumptions (1) the assumption that there are many channels (components) in the package, which is traditionally made ... Full text Cite

Constructual theory of energy-system and flow configurations

Journal Article Int. J. Exergy (Switzerland) · 2005 This paper outlines the place occupied by the constructual law in thermodynamics, and provides a vision of the future development of energy engineering as a transdisciplinary science of systems of systems. Natural and man-made flow systems do not exist in ... Full text Link to item Cite

Tree-shaped networks with loops

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · January 1, 2005 Dendritic flow architectures are being contemplated for thermal designs that provide high heat transfer densities for the cooling of electronics. Optimized tree networks maximize the flow access between one point (source, sink) and an infinity of points (l ... Full text Cite

Constructal multi-scale tree-shaped heat exchangers

Journal Article Journal of Applied Physics · August 1, 2004 The conceptual design and performance of balanced two-stream counterflow heat exchangers was discussed. The relationships between effectiveness and number of heat transfer units for several tree-counterflow configurations were developed. It was found that ... Full text Cite

The constructal law and the thermodynamics of flow systems with configuration

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · July 1, 2004 In this paper we develop an analytical and graphical formulation of the constructal law of maximization of flow access in systems with heat and fluid flow irreversibilities and freedom to change configuration. The flow system has global performance (e.g., ... Full text Cite

Combined 'heat flow and strength' optimization of geometry: Mechanical structures most resistant to thermal attack

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · July 1, 2004 This paper outlines a new direction for fundamental heat transfer: a multidisciplinary approach (combined heat transfer and strength of materials) in the conceptual design of structures that have two functions, mechanical strength and resistance (survival) ... Full text Cite

Maximal heat transfer density in vertical morphing channels with natural convection

Journal Article Numerical Heat Transfer; Part A: Applications · January 16, 2004 In this article we show numerically that the entire flow geometry of a vertical diverging or converging channel with laminar natural convection can be optimized for maximal heat transfer rate density (total heat transfer rate per unit of flow system volume ... Full text Cite

Tree-shaped flow structures for human-scale and small-scales applications

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Technology · January 1, 2004 Tree-shaped networks provide maximum access for currents flowing between discrete points (sources, sinks) and infinite numbers of points (lines, areas, volumes). This is a growing area of research. The first part of this paper reviews the main features and ... Cite

Equilibrium and nonequilibrium flow system architectures

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Technology · January 1, 2004 This paper reviews the progress made on the development of constructal tree networks: step by step improvements in global performance (e.g., global flow resistance) subject to global constraints (e.g., size of flow territory, total tube volume). This leads ... Cite

Optimal distribution of discrete heat sources on a wall with natural convection

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · January 1, 2004 This paper is an application of the constructal method to the discovery of the optimal distribution of discrete heat sources cooled by laminar natural convection. The global objective is to maximize the global conductance between the wall and the fluid, or ... Full text Cite

Optimal distribution of discrete heat sources on a plate with laminar forced convection

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · January 1, 2004 In this paper constructal theory is applied to the fundamental problem of how to arrange discrete heat sources on a wall cooled by forced convection. The global objective is to maximize the conductance between the discrete heated wall and the fluid. This i ... Full text Cite

Penetration of ionic species into saturated porous media: the case of concrete

Journal Article International Journal of Energy Research · August 2003 Full text Cite

Optimization of tree-shaped flow distribution structures over a disc-shaped area

Journal Article International Journal of Energy Research · June 25, 2003 In this paper, we review the fundamental problem of how to design a flow path with minimum overall resistance between one point (O) and many points situated equidistantly on a circle centred at O. This is a fundamental problem in energy engineering: the di ... Full text Cite

Transport model for the nuclear decontamination of cementitious materials

Journal Article Computational Materials Science · June 2003 Full text Cite

Dendritic heat convection on a disc

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · January 1, 2003 In this paper we develop the optimal tree-shaped flow paths for cooling a disc-shaped body by convection. Heat is generated uniformly over the disc area. The coolant enters through the center of the disc, and exits through ports positioned equidistantly al ... Full text Cite

Thermodynamic formulation of the constructal law

Journal Article American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Advanced Energy Systems Division (Publication) AES · January 1, 2003 In this paper we develop an analytical and graphical formulation of the constructal law of maximization of flow access in systems with heat and fluid flow irreversibilities and freedom to change configuration. The flow system has global objective (e.g., mi ... Full text Cite

Optimal tree-shaped networks for fluid flow in a disc-shaped body

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · December 1, 2002 In this paper we consider the fundamental problem of how to design a flow path with minimum overall resistance between one point (O) and many points situated equidistantly on a circle centered at O. The flow may proceed in either direction, from the center ... Full text Cite

MAXIMIZATION OF HEAT FLOW THROUGH A CAVITY WITH NATURAL CONVECTION AND DEFORMABLE BOUNDARIES

Journal Article International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer · July 2002 Full text Cite

Heat losses through building walls with closed, open and deformable cavities

Journal Article International Journal of Energy Research · June 10, 2002 Full text Cite

Combined 'flow and strength' geometric optimization: Internal structure in a vertical insulating wall with air cavities and prescribed strength

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · May 27, 2002 This paper addresses the fundamental problem of optimizing the internal structure of a vertical wall that must meet two requirements, thermal insulation and mechanical strength. The wall is a composite of solid material (e.g., brick) and parallel air caver ... Full text Cite

Tree-shaped flow structures designed by minimizing path lengths

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · May 27, 2002 This paper outlines a direct route to the construction of effective tree-shaped flow structures. Dendritic flow structures dominate the design of natural and engineered flow systems, especially in thermal and fluid systems. The starting point is the optimi ... Full text Cite

Constructal design for cooling a disc-shaped area by conduction

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · February 18, 2002 This paper describes a hierarchical strategy to developing the optimal internal structure of a round heat-generating body cooled at its center with the help of optimally distributed inserts of high-conductivity material. The sequence begins with optimizing ... Full text Cite

Influence of the geometry on heat transfer by natural convection in a rectangular cavity

Journal Article Heat and Technology · 2002 This paper documents the heat transfer by natural convection in a high aspect ratio rectangular cavity. The problem is a two-dimensional one. We aim to determine the effects of a deformation of the side walls (bending inward) on the heat transfer rate. The ... Cite

Thermodynamic optimization of flow architecture: Dendritic structures and optimal sizes of components

Journal Article ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings · January 1, 2002 This paper reports two new advances on constructal design, or the generation of flow architecture in the pursuit of global thermodynamic performance subject to constraints. This is thermodynamic optimization with an emphasis on its product: flow geometry, ... Full text Cite

Development of tree-shaped flows by adding new users to existing networks of hot water pipes

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · December 18, 2001 This paper describes the optimization of a tree-shaped system of insulated pipes for the distribution of a stream of hot water over an area. The area is covered uniformly by users who must receive the same flow rate of hot water. The network of pipes is de ... Full text Cite

Tree-shaped insulated designs for the uniform distribution of hot water over an area

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · June 19, 2001 This paper is a study of the optimal geometric layout of schemes for distributing hot water uniformly over an area. Constrained are the amount of insulation material, the volume of all the pipes, and the amount of pipe wall material. Unknown are the distri ... Full text Cite

PIV investigation of multicellular laminar natural flow in vertical bent cavities

Journal Article Exp. Heat Transf. (UK) · 2001 The objective of this article is to document the multicellular flow in a tall cavity with deformed heated side walls. The article describes an experimental study of natural convection in vertical plane and bent cavities with particle image velocimetry (PIV ... Full text Link to item Cite

Multicellular laminar natural convection in vertical bent cavities

Journal Article Heat and Technology · 2001 This study concerns the heat transfer inside double glazing windows which bend because of extreme climatic conditions (an important temperature difference leads to a pressure drop inside the cavity which results in the bending of the plates). Four referenc ... Cite

Multicellular natural convection in a high aspect ratio cavity: experimental and numerical results

Journal Article International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer · September 2000 Full text Cite