The constructal theory of global optimization under local constraints explains in a simple manner the shapes that arise in nature. It is the thought that flow architecture comes from a principle of maximization of flow access, in time, and in flow configuration that are free to morph.

The Constructal law proclaims a tendency in time about the generation of animate and inanimate flow systems: "the maximization of access for the currents that flows through a morphing flow system ". This theory replaces the belief that nature is fractal, and allow one to design and analyse systems under constraints in a quest for optimality.

This theory allows the design and understanding of natural systems, thermal dissipators, communication networks, etc.

The constructal theory was invented by Adrian Bejan.

History
The constructal theory was developed by Adrian Bejan, Ph. D. MIT (1975) in the late 90's.

Professor Bejan taught at MIT until 1976 and is now J.A. Jones Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Duke University, Durham.

Bejan's research areas cover: entropy generation minimization, exergy analysis, condensation, convection in porous media, transition to turbulence,
etc.

"Constructal" is a word created by Bejan, coming from the latin verb construere, to construct, in order to designate, in the constructal theory's point of view, the naturally optimized forms such as rivers, trees and branches, lungs and also the engineered forms coming from a constructal optimization process.

Principles
For example, in point-area and point-volume flows, constructal theory predicts tree architectures, such flows have displaying at least two regimes: one highly resistive and a less resisitive one, and it can be applied at any scale: from macroscopic to microscopic systems.

The main principle of the constructal theory is that every system is destined to remain imperfect.

According to this, the best that can be done is to optimally distribute the imperfections of the system, and this optimal distribution of imperfection will generate the geometry or shape of the studied system.

The constructal way of distributing the system's imperfection is to put the more resistive regime at the smallest scale of the system. The constructal law is the principle that generates the perfect form, which is the least imperfect form possible.

Modern edifices such as the Atlanta airport illustrates the constructal principle of equipartition of time (resistance), or the optimal distribution of imperfection. Several objectives were pursued in the development of this tree-shaped flow structure: the minimization of travel time for pedestrians, the minimization of time and transportation cost for the goods flowing between the terminal and each gate. The airport flows are a tree. In accordance with constructal theory, the time to walk on a concourse is the same (~5 min) as the time to ride on the train.

Constructal law

The constructal principle was enonced in 1996 by Adrian Bejan as follows: "For a finite-size system to persist in time (to live), it must evolve in such a way that it provides easier access to the imposed currents that flow through it."

Thermodynamical analogy

Achievements

The constructal theory is predictive and so has been be verified.

The constructal principle of optimized tree-flow architecture allowed to predict many allometric laws, e.g.:

• Kleiber's law, the proportionality between metabolic rate q0 and body size M raised to the power 3 / 4

• the proportionality between breathing and heart beating times t and body size M raised to the power 1 / 4

• mass transfer contact area A and body mass M

• the proportionality between the optimal cruising speed Vopt of flying bodies (insects, birds, airplanes) and body mass M in kg raised to the power 1 / 6

Bejan's Constructal Law also explains why we have a bronchial tree with 23 levels of bifurcation. The constructal model of flow architecture of the lungs delivers in a pure deterministic way:

• the dimensions of the alveolar sac,

• the total length of the airways,

• the total alveolar surface area,

• the total resistance to oxygen transport in the respiratory tree.

References

• A. Bejan, Advanced Engineering Thermodynamics, Wiley-Interscience, 2nd edition, 896 p. ISBN 0471148806

• A. Bejan, Shape and Structure, from Engineering to Nature , Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2000m 324 p. ISBN 0521793882

• Proceedings of the Symposium "Bejan’s Constructal Theory of Shape and Structure" Edited by Rui N. Rosa, A. Heitor Reis & A. F. Miguel, Centro de Geofísica de Évora, Évora Geophysics Center, Portugal, 2004, ISBN 972-9039-75-5

• A. Bejan, Constructal theory of organization in nature: dendritic flows, allometric laws and flight, Design and Nature, CA Brebbia, L Sucharov & P Pascola (Editors). ISBN 1-85312-901-1

• A. H. Reis, A. F. Miguel , M. Aydin, Constructal theory of flow architecture of the lungs, Journal of Medical Physics, May 2004, Volume 31, Issue 5, pp. 1135-1140.

• A. H. Reis, A. Bejan, Constructal theory of global circulation and climate, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer.

Adapted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia