Constructal Vascularized Structures for Cooling and Mechanical Strength

Abstract

This dissertation shows how to use Constructal theory in order to design vascular structures with high cooling performance and mechanical strength. The vascular structures consist of grid, tree and hybrid (grid + tree) designs. The four chapters show how the cooling performance and mechanical strength can be increased by varying the vascular structure embedded in a plate for different models and boundary conditions. Chapter 2 shows that the fastest spreading or collecting flow (i.e. the steepest S curve) is discovered by allowing the tree architecture to morph freely. The angles between the lines of the invading tree architecture can be morphed (changed, selected) such that the overall flow proceeds along the fastest route, covering the greatest territory at any moment. Chapter 3 shows development of vascular designs that provide cooling and mechanical strength at the same time. This concept is illustrated with a circular plate vascularized with embedded channels. Chapter 4 shows how vascular design controls the cooling and mechanical performance of a solid slab heated uniformly and loaded with uniform pressure. Chapter 5 shows that a plate heated by a randomly moving beam can be cooled effectively by fluid that flows through a vasculature of channels embedded in the plate. In sum, constructal design governs the evolution of flow structures that offer flow access and mechanical strength at the same time.