Constructal Law Meets Building Science - Flow Systems Are Everywhere
Have you ever wondered why the architectural Golden Mean has its characteristic ratio? Why do flow systems like lungs, lightning bolts, leaves, river deltas and well design duct systems have similar shapes? It’s not often that you get to have a discussion with someone who has uncovered a fundamental physical law of the universe, but that’s exactly what we got to do in this unmissable episode. The breadth of this law is staggering. Prepare to never see the world around you quite the same again. These ideas, once they sink in, change the way you'll experience traffic, airports, power lines, the news as well as the way you relate to how you design and build.
It’s not often that you get to have a discussion with someone who has uncovered a fundamental physical law of the universe, but that’s exactly what we got to do in this unmissable episode. In a very entertaining and fascinating departure from our usual discussion of building science, we dive deeply into the concepts underlying Contstructal Law with its discoverer, Professor Adrian Bejan of Duke University. Our conversation ranged from HG TV, to the golden ratio in architecture, to the evolution of Homo sapiens, to fake news, and so much more. Join us as Kristof tries to uncover the mysteries of flow structures that prevent us from creating better buildings and we’ll also learn why a duct system, river, leaf, and lightning bolt are all shaped so similarly. Buckle up and hold on to your hats, folks!
Dr. Adrian Bejan, PhD
Professor Bejan's research covers engineering science and applied physics: thermodynamics, heat transfer, convection, design, and evolution in nature.
Professor Bejan was ranked in 2001 among the 100 most highly cited authors worldwide in engineering (all fields, all countries), the Institute for Scientific Information. Professor Bejan has received 18 honorary doctorates from universities in 11 countries.
Adrian Bejan is the author of 30 books and over 650 peer-referred articles. In October 2018, his h-index is 91 on Google Scholar and 63 on the Web of Science.
APPOINTMENTS AND AFFILIATIONS
J.A. Jones Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Faculty Network Member of The Energy Initiative
