A new perspective of constructal networks cooling a finite-size volume generating heat

作者：Marck G^*; Harion J L; Nemer M; Russeil S; Bougeard D

来源：Energy Conversion and Management, 2011, 52(2): 1033-1046.

DOI：10.1016/j.enconman.2010.08.032

• Constructal theory
• Tree-networks
• Optimization

Constructal theory has been used in several scientific fields since it has been established a decade ago. It mainly treats of the "area to point" flow problem, which has been first-written in the frame of the cooling of a finite-size volume generating heat. This problem, widely discussed in literature, has been optimized thanks to constructal theory formulated by Bejan, with a deterministic approach. However, some of the physical and mathematical assumptions made to simplify the problem are questionable, especially the ones regarding the high-conductivity material constituting the tree-shaped structure. In this paper, the performances of constructal designs are evaluated using a finite volume method, which allows making a comparison between different constructal geometries. An algorithm has been developed which has the ability for restraining constructal networks inside a finite-size area, without overconstraining the structure. All things considered, this paper examines constructal theory from a new point of view thanks to analytical and numerical investigations, in the frame of a finite-size volume generating heat.

• 出版日期2011-2