Design with Constructal Theory

Preface

List of symbols

1. Flow Systems

1.1 Constructal law, vascularization and svelteness

1.2 Fluid flow

1.3 Heat Transfer

References

Problems

2. Imperfection

2.1 Evolution to the least imperfect possible

2.2 Thermodynamics

2.3 Closed systems

2.4 Open systems

2.5 Analysis of engineering components

2.6 Heat transfer imperfection

2.7 Fluid flow imperfection

2.8 Other imperfections

2.9 Optimal size of a heat transfer surface

References

Problems

3. Simple Flow Configurations

3.1 Flow between two points

3.2 River channel cross sections

3.3 Internal spacings for natural convection

3.4 Internal spacings for forced convection

3.5 The method of intersecting the asymptotes

3.6 Fitting the solid to the "body" of the flow

3.7 Evolution of technology: from natural to forced convection

References

Problems

4. Tree Networks for Fluid Flow

4.1 Optimal proportions: T- and Y- shaped constructs

4.2 Optimal sizes, not proportions

4.3 Trees between a point and a circle

4.4 Performance versus freedom to morph

4.5 Minimal-lengths trees

4.6 Strategies for faster design

4.7 Trees between one point and an area

4.8 Asymmetry

4.9 Three-dimensional trees

4.10 Loops, junction losses and fractal-like trees

References

Problems

5. Configurations for Heat Conduction

5.1 Trees for cooling a disc-shaped body

5.2 Conduction trees with loops

5.3 Trees at micro and nanoscales

5.4 Evolution of technology: from forced convection to solid-body conduction

References

Problems

6. Multiscale Configurations

6.1 Distribution of heat sources cooled by natural convection

6.2 Distribution of heat sources cooled by forced convection

6.3 Multiscale plates for forced convection

6.4 Multiscale plates for natural convection

6.5 Multiscale cylinders in crossflow

6.6 Multiscale droplets for maximum mass transfer density

References

7. Multi-Objective

ADRIAN BEJAN, PhD, is the J. A. Jones Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Duke University.
 
SYLVIE LORENTE, PhD, is Full Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Toulouse, INSA, The Laboratory of Materials and Durability of Constructions.

"This book represents the outcome of over 12 years of research and teaching by the authors on constructal theory and its application. It provides comprehensive and elegant discussion of a revolutionary new approach for understanding and predicting the designs that arise in both nature and engineering, from the tree and the forest to the cooling of electronics, urban design, decontamination, and vascular smart materials. This book is highly recommended for everyone, especially students and professionals in mechanical, civil, environmental, energy and power, chemical, aerospace, and biomedical engineering, as well in geophysics and biology." ( International Journal of Energy Research , 2010)
"The constructal law provides a broad coverage of "designedness" everywhere, from engineering to geophysics and biology....it provides the student with strategy for how to pursue and discover design-the configurations or patterns-in both space and time. Constructal theory pushes design thinking closer to science and away from art. It tears down the walls between engineering and natural sciences." ( Mechanical Engineering , September 2009)

"A balance between individual and institutional approaches is the best idea, according to a new theory by a Duke University engineer Adrian Bejan, who thinks institutions benefit most from the co-existence of large groups that self-organize naturally and lone scientists coming up with brilliant new ideas.... big thinkers didn t disappear. Bejan argues they continued to thrive. He thinks his "constructal theory," which he began describing in 1996, might explain why. The theory states that so-called flow systems evolve to balance and minimize imperfections, reducing friction or other forms of resistance, so that the least amount of useful energy is lost. Examples in nature include rivers and streams that make up a delta or the intricate airways of the lungs. In research done by humans, Bejan sees two main flows: those of ideas in the form of