The constructal law and the evolution of design in nature

Physics of Life Reviews

Volumn 8, Issue 3, 2011, Pages 209-240

  Bejan, Adrian ^a   Lorente, Sylvie ^b  

^a Duke University   (United States)

^b Laboratoire Materiaux et Durabilite des Constructions   (France)

Author keywords

Constructal law; Design in nature; Evolutionary biology; Thermodynamics; Wealth

Indexed keywords

CONSTRUCTAL LAW; DESIGN EVOLUTION; DISTRIBUTED ENERGY SYSTEMS; ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY; EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY; EVOLUTIONARY DESIGN; FLOW SYSTEMS; GLOBAL DESIGN; GLOBAL LEVELS; HUMAN MOVEMENTS; HUMAN SYSTEM; SECOND LAW; SOLID STRUCTURES; WEALTH;

ANIMALS; THERMODYNAMICS;

DESIGN;

ANIMALIA;

ANIMAL; BIOPHYSICS; ECOSYSTEM; EVOLUTION; HUMAN; LIFE; NATURAL SCIENCE; ORGAN SIZE; REVIEW;

ANIMALS; BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION; BIOPHYSICAL PHENOMENA; ECOSYSTEM; HUMANS; LIFE; NATURE; ORGAN SIZE;

EID: 80455174027     PISSN: 15710645     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2011.05.010     Document Type: Review

References (135)

1. Bejan A. Advanced engineering thermodynamics 1997, Wiley, New York. 2nd ed.
2. Bejan A., Lorente S. Design with constructal theory 2008, Wiley, Hoboken.
3. Bejan A. Entropy generation through heat and fluid flow 1982, Wiley, New York.
4. Bejan A. Entropy generation minimization 1996, CRC Press, Boca Raton.
5. Bejan A. Constructal-theory network of conducting paths for cooling a heat generating volume. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 1997, 40:799-816. [published on 1 Nov. 1996].
6. Bejan A. Shape and structure, from engineering to nature 2000, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
7. Poirier H. Une théorie explique l'intelligence de la nature. Sci Vie 2003, 1034:44-63.
8. Bejan A., Lorente S. Constructal theory of generation of configuration in nature and engineering. J Appl Phys 2006, 100:041301.
9. Reis A.H. Constructal theory: from engineering to physics, and how flow systems develop shape and structure. Appl Mech Rev 2006, 59:269-282.
10. Bejan A., Lorente S. The constructal law of design and evolution in nature. Phil Trans R Soc B 2010, 365:1335-1347.
11. Ahlborn B.K. Zoological physics 2004, Springer, Berlin.
12. Weibel E.R. Symmorphosis: on form and function in shaping life 2000, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA.
13. Hoppeler H., Weibel E.R. Scaling functions to body size: theories and facts, special issue. J Exp Biol 2005, 208:1573-1769.
14. Paltridge G.W. Global dynamics and climate. Q J R Meteorol Soc 1975, 101:475-484.
15. Kleidon A. Life, hierarchy, and the thermodynamic machinery of planet Earth. Phys Life Rev 2010, 7(4):424-460.
16. Bejan A. Convection heat transfer 2004, Wiley, Hoboken. 3rd ed.
17. Constructal theory of social dynamics 2007, Springer, New York. A. Bejan, G.W. Merkx (Eds.).
18. Bejan A., Marden J.H. Constructing animal locomotion from new thermodynamics theory. Am Sci 2006, 94:343-349.
19. Bejan A. Constructal self-organization of research: empire building versus the individual investigator. Int J Design Nature Ecodyn 2008, 3:177-189.
20. Bejan A., Lorente S., Lee J. Unifying constructal theory of tree roots, canopies and forests. J Theor Biol 2008, 254:529-540.
21. Bejan A. The constructal-law origin of the wheel, size, and skeleton in animal design. Am J Phys 2010, 78(7):692-699.
22. Lotka A.J. Contribution to the energetics of evolution. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1922, 8:147-151.
23. Curzon F.L., Ahlborn B. Efficiency of a Carnot engine at maximum power. Am J Phys 1975, 43:22-24.
24. Odum E.P. The strategy of ecosystem development. Science 1969, 164:262-270.
25. Salamon P., Nitzan A., Andresen B., Berry R.S. Minimum entropy production and the optimization of heat engines. Phys Rev A 1980, 21:2115-2129.
26. Bejan A. Entropy generation minimization: the new thermodynamics of finite-size devices and finite-time processes. J Appl Phys 1996, 79:1191-1218.
27. Bejan A., Marden J.H. The constructal unification of biological and geophysical design. Phys Life Rev 2009, 6:85-102.
28. Bejan A., Lorente S. La loi constructale 2005, L'Harmattan, Paris.
29. Reis A.H., Bejan A. Constructal theory of global circulation and climate. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2006, 49:1857-1875.
30. Bejan A. Advanced engineering thermodynamics 2006, Wiley, Hoboken. 3rd ed.
31. Bejan A. The golden ratio predicted: vision, cognition and locomotion as a single design in nature. Int J Design Nature Ecodyn 2009, 4:97-104.
32. Annila A., Salthe S. Physical foundations of evolutionary theory. J Non-Equilib Thermodyn 2010, 35:301-321.
33. Annila A., Kuismanen E. Natural hierarchy emerges from energy dispersal. BioSystems 2008, 95:227-233.
34. Goldenfeld N., Woese C. Life is physics: evolution as a collective phenomenon far from equilibrium arxiv:1011.4125v1.
35. Swenson R. Emergent attractors and a law of maximum entropy production. Syst Res 1989, 6:187-197.
36. The second law of thermodynamics. Benchmark papers on energy 1976, vol. 5. Dowden, Hutchinson and Ross, Stroudsburg, PA. J. Kestin (Ed.).
37. Landsberg P.T. Entropies galore!. Braz J Phys 1999, 29:46-49.
38. Lorente S., Bejan A. Few large and many small: hierarchy in movement on earth. Int J Design Nature Ecodyn 2010, 5:254-267.
39. International Energy Agency Key world energy statistics 2006.
40. Bejan A., Lorente S. The constructal law and the thermodynamics of flow systems with configuration. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2004, 47:3203-3214.
41. Bejan A., Marden J.H. Unifying constructal theory for scale effects in running, swimming and flying. J Exp Biol 2006, 209:238-248.
42. Charles J.D., Bejan A. The evolution of speed, size and shape in modern athletics. J Exp Biol 2009, 212:2419-2425.
43. Bejan A., Jones E.C., Charles J.D. The evolution of speed in athletics: why the fastest runners are black and swimmers white. Int J Design Nature Ecodyn 2010, 5(3):199-211.
44. Bejan A. The tree of convective streams: its thermal insulation function and the predicted 3/4-power relation between body heat loss and body size. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2001, 44:699-704.
45. Bejan A, Lorente S, Miguel AF, Reis AH. Constructal theory of distribution of river sizes. In: Bejan, A. Advanced engineering thermodynamics. 3rd ed. Hoboken: Wiley; 2006 [Section 13.5].
46. Bejan A, Lorente S, Miguel AF, Reis AH. Constructal theory of distribution of city sizes. In: Bejan, A. Advanced engineering thermodynamics. 3rd ed. Hoboken: Wiley; 2006 [Section 13.4].
47. Bejan A. Why university rankings do not change: education as a natural hierarchical flow architecture. Int J Design Nature Ecodyn 2007, 2(4):319-327.
48. Bejan A. Constructal self-organization of research: empire building versus the individual investigator. Int J Design Nature Ecodyn 2008, 3(3):177-189.
49. Lorente S., Bejan A. Heterogeneous porous media as multi-scale structures for maximum flow access. J Appl Phys 2006, 100:114909.
50. Lorente S., Bejan A. Tree-shaped flow structures designed by minimizing path lengths. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2002, 45:3299-3312.
51. Nield D.A., Bejan A. Convection in porous media 2006, Springer, New York. 3rd ed.
52. Kim S., Lorente S., Bejan A., Miller W., Morse J. The emergence of vascular design in three dimensions. J Appl Phys 2008, 103:123511.
53. Cetkin E., Lorente S., Bejan A. Natural constructal emergence of vascular design with turbulent flow. J Appl Phys 2010, 107:114901.
54. Gierens K., Sausen R., Schumann U. A diagnostic study of the global distribution of contrails. Part 2: Future air traffic scenarios. Theoret Appl Climatol 1999, 63:1-9.
55. Ledu S., Frattini S. Atlas des inégalités 2009, Milan jeunesse, Toulouse.
56. Bejan A., Lorente S., Yilbas B.S., Sahin A.S. The effect of size on efficiency: power plants and vascular designs. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2011, 54:1475-1481.
57. Kim Y.S., Lorente S., Bejan A. Distribution of size in steam turbine power plants. Int J Energy Res 2009, 33:989-998.
58. Lorente S., Koonsrisuk A., Bejan A. Constructal distribution of solar chimney power plants: few large and many small. Int J Green Energy 2010, 7:577-592.
59. Lorente S., Bejan A. Global distributed energy systems. Management of natural resources, sustainable development and ecological hazards II 2010, 251-269. WIT Press, Southampton. C.A. Brebbia, N. Jovanovic, E. Tiezzi (Eds.).
60. Xia L, Lorente S, Bejan A. Constructal design of distributed cooling on the landscape. Int J Energy Res 2010. doi:10.1002/er.1743.
61. Rocha L.A.O., Lorente S., Bejan A. Distributed energy tapestry for heating the landscape. J Appl Phys 2010, 108:124904.
62. Miguel A.F. Constructal pattern formation in stony corals, bacterial colonies and plant roots under different hydrodynamics conditions. Theor Biol 2006, 242:954-961.
63. Reis A.H., Miguel A.F., Aydin M. Constructal theory of flow architecture of the lungs. Med Phys 2004, 31:1135-1140.
64. Nakayama A., Kuwahara F., Liu W. A macroscopic model for countercurrent bioheat transfer in a circulatory system. J Porous Med 2009, 12:289-300.
65. Haller D., Woias P., Kockmann N. Simulation and experimental investigation of pressure loss and heat transfer in microchannel networks containing bends and T-junctions. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2009, 52:2678-2689.
66. Godde R., Kurz H. Structural and biophysical simulation of angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. Dev Dyn 2001, 220:387-401.
67. Wechsatol W., Ordonez J.C., Kosaraju S. Constructal dendritic geometry and the existence of asymmetric bifurcation. J Appl Phys 2006, 100:113514.
68. Boichot R., Luo L. A simple cellular automaton algorithm to optimise heat transfer in complex configurations. Int J Exergy 2010, 7:51-64.
69. Xu P., Wang X.Q., Mujumdar A.S., Yap C., Yu B.M. Thermal characteristics of tree-shaped microchannel nets with/without loops. Int J Therm Sci 2009, 48:2139-2147.
70. Wang X.-Q., Xu P., Mujumdar A.S., Yap C. Flow and thermal characteristics of offset branching network. Int J Therm Sci 2010, 49:272-280.
71. Reddy B.V.R., Ramana P.V., Narasimhan A. Steady and transient thermo-hydraulic performance of disc with tree-shaped micro-channel networks with and without radial inclination. Int J Therm Sci 2008, 47:1482-1489.
72. Sayeed M.S., Ahmed I.A., Syed A.A., Raju P.H., Salman M.S. Experimental study of tree networks for minimal pumping power. Int J Design Nature Ecodyn 2008, 3:135-149.
73. Gosselin L. Optimization of tree-shaped fluid networks with size limitations. Int J Therm Sci 2007, 46:434-443.
74. Ghaedamini H., Salimpour M.R., Mujumdar A.S. The effect of svelteness on the bifurcation angles role in pressure drop and flow uniformity of tree-shaped microchannels. Appl Thermal Eng 2011, 31:708-716.
75. Ghaedamini H., Salimpour M.R., Campo A. Constructal design of reverting microchannels for convective cooling of a circular disc. Int J Therm Sci 2011, 50:1051-1061.
76. Quéré S. Constructal theory of plate tectonics. Int J Design Nature Ecodyn 2010, 5(3):242-253.
77. Reis A.H., Gama C. Sand size versus beachface slope-an explanation based on the constructal law. Geomorphology 2010, 114:276-283.
78. Reis A.H. Constructal view of scaling laws of river basins. Geomorphology 2006, 78:201-206.
79. Miguel A.F. Natural flow systems: acquiring their constructal morphology. Int J Design Nature Ecodyn 2010, 5(3):230-241.
80. Biserni C., Rocha L.A.O., Stanescu G., Lorenzini E. Constructal H-shaped cavities according to Bejan's theory. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2007, 50:2132-2138.
81. Lorenzini G. Constructal design of Y-shaped assembly of fins. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2006, 49:4552-4557.
82. Bello-Ochende T., Meyer J.P., Dirker J. Three-dimensional multi-scale plate assembly for maximum heat transfer rate density. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2010, 53:586-593.
83. Karakas A., Camdali U., Tunc M. Constructal optimisation of heat generating volumes. Int J Exergy 2009, 6:637-654.
84. Bello-Ochende T., Meyer J.P., Ighalo F.U. Combined numerical optimization and constructal theory for the design of microchannel heat sinks. Num Heat Transfer Part A 2010, 58:882-899.
85. Kwak Y., Pence D., Liburdy J., Narayanan V. Gas-liquid flows in a microscale fractal-like branching flow networks. Int J Heat Fluid Flow 2009, 30:868-876.
86. Lewins J. Bejan's constructal theory of equal potential distribution. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2003, 46:1541-1543.
87. Boichot R., Luo L., Fan Y. Tree-network structure generation for heat conduction by cellular automaton. Energy Conver Manage 2009, 50:376-386.
88. Wei S., Chen L., Sun F. The area-point constructal optimization for discrete variable cross-section conducting path. Appl Energy 2009, 86:1111-1118.
89. Xianghua X., Xingang L., Jianxun R. Optimization of heat conduction using combinatorial optimization algorithms. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2007, 50:1675-1682.
90. Zhang C., Chen Y., Wu R., Shi M. Flow boiling in constructal tree-shaped minichannel network. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2010, 54:202-209.
91. Daguenet-Frick X., Bonjour J., Revellin R. Constructal microchannel network for flow boiling in a disc-shaped body. IEEE Trans Compon Packag Technol 2010, 33:115-126.
92. Gonzalez M., Jelisavcic N., Moral R., Sahoo J.D., Dulikravich G.S., Martin T.J. Multi-objective design optimization of topology and performance of branching networks of cooling passages. Int J Therm Sci 2007, 46:1191-1202.
93. Raja V.A.P., Basak T., Das S.K. Thermal performance of a multi-block heat exchanger designed on the basis of Bejan's constructal theory. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2008, 51:3582-3594.
94. Rocha L.A.O., Lorenzini E., Biserni C. Geometric optimization of shapes on the basis of Bejan's constructal theory. Int Comm Heat Mass Transfer 2005, 32:1281-1288.
95. Muzychka Y.S. Constructal design of forced convection cooled microchannel heat sinks and heat exchangers. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2005, 48:3119-3127.
96. Fyrillas M.M. Heat conduction in a solid slab embedded with a pipe of general cross-section: shape factor and shape optimization. Int J Eng Sci 2008, 46:907-916.
97. Chen Y., Zhang C., Shi M., Yang Y. Thermal and hydrodynamic characteristics of constructal tree-shaped minichannel heat sink. AIChE J 2010, 56:2018-2029.
98. Muzychka Y.S. Constructal multi-scale design of compact micro-tube heat sinks and heat exchangers. Int J Therm Sci 2007, 46:245-252.
99. Muzychka Y. Constructal design of forced convection cooled microchannel heat sinks and heat exchangers. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2005, 48:3119-3127.
100. Salimpour M.R., Sharifhasan M., Shirani E. Constructal optimization of the geometry of an array of micro-channels. Int Comm Heat Mass Transfer 2010, 38:93-99.
101. Lorenzini G., Moretti S. A Bejan's constructal theory approach to the overall optimization of heat exchanging finned modules with air in forced convection and laminar flow condition. J Heat Transfer 2009, 131:081801.
102. Lorenzini G., Rocha L.A.O. Constructal design of Y-shaped assembly of fins. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2006, 49:4552-4557.
103. Kundu B., Bhanja D. Performance and optimization analysis of a constructal T-shaped fin subject to variable thermal conductivity and convective heat transfer coefficient. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2010, 53:254-267.
104. Lorenzini G., Rocha L.A.O. Constructal design of T-Y assembly of fins for an optimized heat removal. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2009, 52:1458-1463.
105. Lorenzini G., Rocha L.A.O. Geometric optimization of T-Y-shaped cavity according to constructal design. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2009, 52:4683-4688.
106. Lorenzini G., Moretti S. Numerical performance analysis of constructal I and Y finned heat exchanging modules. J Electron Packag 2009, 131:031012.
107. Aragón A.M., Wayer J.K., Geubelle P.H., Goldberg D.E., White S.R. Design of microvascular flow networks using multi-objective genetic algorithms. Comput Methods Appl Mech Engrg 2008, 197:4399-4410.
108. Cho K.-H., Kim M.-H. Fluid flow characteristics of vascularized channel networks. Chem Eng Sci 2010, 65:6270-6281.
109. Bai C., Wang L. Constructal structure of nanofluids. J Appl Phys 2010, 108:074317.
110. Fan J., Wang L. Constructal design of nanofluids. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2010, 53:4238-4247.
111. Bai C., Wang L. Constructal design of particle volume fraction in nanofluids. J Heat Transfer 2009, 131:112402.
112. Wu F., Chen L., Kan X., Shu A., Wu K., Yang Z. Constructal design of stack filled with parallel plates in standing-wave thermo-acoustic cooler. Cryogenics 2009, 49:107-111.
113. Zhou S.B., Chen L.G., Sun F.R. Constructal optimization for a solid-gas reactor based on triangular element. Sci China Ser E Tech Sci 2008, 51:1554-1562.
114. Amador C., Gavriilidis A., Angeli P. Flow distribution in different microreactor scale-out geometries and the effect of manufacturing tolerances and channel blockage. Chem Eng J 2004, 101:379-390.
115. Cornet J.-F. Calculation of optimal design and ideal productivities of volumetrically lightened photobioreactors using the constructal approach. Chem Eng Sci 2010, 65:985-998.
116. Fan Z., Zhou X., Luo L., Yuan W. Experimental investigation of the flow distribution of a 2-dimensional constructal distributor. Exp Therm Fluid Sci 2008, 33:77-83.
117. Tondeur D., Fan Y., Luo L. Constructal optimization of arborescent structures with flow singularities. Chem Eng Sci 2009, 64:3968-3982.
118. Yue J., Boichot R., Luo L., Gonthier Y., Chen G., Yuan Q. Flow distribution and mass transfer in a parallel microchannel contactor integrated with constructal distributors. AIChE J 2010, 56:298-317.
119. Mehrgoo M., Amidpour M. Constructal design of humidification - dehumidification desalination unit architecture. Desalination 2010, 271:62-71.
120. Tescari S., Mazet N., Neveu P. Constructal method to optimize solar thermochemical reactor design. Solar Energy 2010, 84:1555-1566.
121. Bhakta A., Bandyopadhyay S. Constructal optimization of top contact metallization of a photovoltaic solar cell. Int J Thermodyn 2005, 8:175-181.
122. Azad A.V., Amidpour M. Economic optimization of shell and tube heat exchanger based on constructal theory. Energy 2011, 36:1087-1096.
123. Bello-Ochende T., Meyer J.P., Ogunronbi O.I. Constructal multiscale cylinders rotating in cross-flow. Int J Heat Mass Transfer 2011, 54:2568-2577.
124. Miguel A.F. Dendritic structures for fluid flow: laminar, turbulent and constructal design. J Fluids Struct 2010, 26:330-335.
125. Wen H, Ordonez JC, Vargas JVC. Single solid oxide fuel cell modeling and optimization. J Power Sources 2011. doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2010.10.113.
126. Kacimov AR, Klammler H, Il'yinskii N, Hatfield K. Constructal design of permeable reactive barriers: groundwater - hydraulics criteria. J Eng Math 2011. doi:10.1007/s10665-011-9457-5.
127. Amoozegar C. Constructal theory of written language. Constructal theory of social dynamics 2007, Springer, New York, [Chapter 16]. A. Bejan, G.W. Merkx (Eds.).
128. Tiryakian E.A. Sociological theory, constructal theory, and globalization. Constructal theory of social dynamics 2007, Springer, New York, [Chapter 7]. A. Bejan, G.W. Merkx (Eds.).
129. Périn S. The constructal nature of the air traffic system. Constructal theory of social dynamics 2007, Springer, New York, [Chapter 6]. A. Bejan, G.W. Merkx (Eds.).
130. Morroni F. Constructal approach to company sustainability. Constructal theory of social dynamics 2007, Springer, New York, [Chapter 14]. A. Bejan, G.W. Merkx (Eds.).
131. Weinerth G. The constructal analysis of warfare. Int J Design Nature Ecodyn 2010, 5(3):268-276.
132. Bejan A. Two hierarchies in science: the free flow of ideas and the academy. Int J Design Nature Ecodyn 2009, 4:386-394.
133. Bejan A, Haynsworth P. The natural design of hierarchy: basketball vs. academics. Int J Design Nature Ecodyn 2011;6 [in press].
134. Bejan A. Science and technology as evolving flow architectures. Int J Energy Res 2009, 33:112-125.
135. Errera M.R., Bejan A. Deterministic tree networks for river drainage basins. Fractals 1998, 6:245-261.