In this paper “constructal theory,” is used to predict the formation of geometric shape and structure in finite-size fluid systems subjected to heating from below. Two classes of system are considered as tests: (i) single-phase fluid layers, and (ii) porous layers saturated with single-phase fluids. It is shown that the minimization of thermal resistance across the layer can be used to account for the appearance of organized macroscopic motion (streams) on the background of disorganized motion (diffusion). By optimizing the shape of the flow, it is possible to predict analytically the main structural and heat transfer characteristics of the system, e.g., the onset of convection, the relation between Nusselt number and Rayleigh number, the geometric shape of the rolls, and the decreasing exponent of RaH as RaH increases. The convective flow structure emerges as the result of a process of geometric optimization of heat flow path, in which diffusion is assigned to length scales smaller than the smallest macroscopic flow element (elemental system). The implications of this test of constructal theory are discussed in the context of the wider search for a physics law of geometric form generation in natural flow systems.
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Constructal Optimization of Internal Flow Geometry in Convection
R. A. Nelson, Jr.,
R. A. Nelson, Jr.
MS K575, Nuclear Systems and Design Analysis Group, Technology and Safety Assessment Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
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A. Bejan
A. Bejan
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Box 90300, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0300
Search for other works by this author on:
R. A. Nelson, Jr.
MS K575, Nuclear Systems and Design Analysis Group, Technology and Safety Assessment Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
A. Bejan
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Box 90300, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0300
J. Heat Transfer. May 1998, 120(2): 357-364 (8 pages)
Published Online: May 1, 1998
Article history
Received:
June 13, 1997
Revised:
February 17, 1998
Online:
December 5, 2007
Citation
Nelson, R. A., Jr., and Bejan, A. (May 1, 1998). "Constructal Optimization of Internal Flow Geometry in Convection." ASME. J. Heat Transfer. May 1998; 120(2): 357–364. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2824257
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