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The constructal law and the evolution of design in nature.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Bejan, A; Lorente, S
Published in: Physics of life reviews
October 2011

The constructal law accounts for the universal phenomenon of generation and evolution of design (configuration, shape, structure, pattern, rhythm). This phenomenon is observed across the board, in animate, inanimate and human systems. The constructal law states the time direction of the evolutionary design phenomenon. It defines the concept of design evolution in physics. Along with the first and second law, the constructal law elevates thermodynamics to a science of systems with configuration. In this article we review the more recent work of our group, with emphasis on the advances made with the constructal law in the natural sciences. Highlighted are the oneness of animate and inanimate designs, the origin of finite-size organs on animals and vehicles, the flow of stresses as the generator of design in solid structures (skeletons, vegetation), the universality and rigidity of hierarchy in all flow systems, and the global design of human flows. Noteworthy is the tapestry of distributed energy systems, which balances nodes of production with networks of distribution on the landscape, and serves as key to energy sustainability and empowerment. At the global level, the constructal law accounts for the geography and design of human movement, wealth and communications.

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Published In

Physics of life reviews

DOI

EISSN

1873-1457

ISSN

1571-0645

Publication Date

October 2011

Volume

8

Issue

3

Start / End Page

209 / 240

Related Subject Headings

  • Organ Size
  • Nature
  • Life
  • Humans
  • Ecosystem
  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Biological Evolution
  • Bioinformatics
  • Animals
 

Citation

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Bejan, A., & Lorente, S. (2011). The constructal law and the evolution of design in nature. Physics of Life Reviews, 8(3), 209–240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plrev.2011.05.010
Bejan, Adrian, and Sylvie Lorente. “The constructal law and the evolution of design in nature.Physics of Life Reviews 8, no. 3 (October 2011): 209–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plrev.2011.05.010.
Bejan A, Lorente S. The constructal law and the evolution of design in nature. Physics of life reviews. 2011 Oct;8(3):209–40.
Bejan, Adrian, and Sylvie Lorente. “The constructal law and the evolution of design in nature.Physics of Life Reviews, vol. 8, no. 3, Oct. 2011, pp. 209–40. Epmc, doi:10.1016/j.plrev.2011.05.010.
Bejan A, Lorente S. The constructal law and the evolution of design in nature. Physics of life reviews. 2011 Oct;8(3):209–240.
Journal cover image

Published In

Physics of life reviews

DOI

EISSN

1873-1457

ISSN

1571-0645

Publication Date

October 2011

Volume

8

Issue

3

Start / End Page

209 / 240

Related Subject Headings

  • Organ Size
  • Nature
  • Life
  • Humans
  • Ecosystem
  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Biological Evolution
  • Bioinformatics
  • Animals