CTS-9706942 Duke University Adrian Bejan ABSTRACT The proposed work is a fundamental study of the architecture of flow paths between a finite-size space and one or more discrete points. Thermodynamic principles will be used to deterministically optimize networks for systems with volumetric heat and fluid flow. The optimization is based on geometrically minimizing the resistance to flow. The work is relevant to many engineering applications such as the design of heat exchangers, thermal storage systems, etc. It is also relevant to the understanding of the architecture of the natural environment such as biological and geological systems.
