Adrian Bejan | Size of duct, from Design in Nature
In this video, Adrian Bejan explores the principle of determining the optimal size of ducts and pipes in moving systems, focusing on how diameter affects efficiency, energy consumption, and structural design in biological and engineering systems.
The mathematical analysis illustrates how the pressure loss in a pipe (delta P) varies with the diameter to the fourth power, while weight-related factors vary quadratically. This leads to a total resistance that shows an intersection point, enabling the calculation of an optimal diameter.
Bejan shares an anecdote about the empirical observation of blood vessel sizes and mass flow rates in biology, reinforcing the predictability of duct sizes based on fundamental principles he discussed. His predictions align well with biological evidence, showcasing the application of theoretical models in real-world scenarios.
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Umit Gunes, Ph.D.
Assoc. Prof., Yildiz Technical University
umitgunes.com