Efficient network-matrix architecture for general flow transport inspired by natural pinnate leaves

Hu, Liguo, Zhou, Han, Zhu, Hanxing ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3209-6831, Fan, Tongxiang and Zhang, Di 2014. Efficient network-matrix architecture for general flow transport inspired by natural pinnate leaves. Soft Matter 10 , pp. 8442-8447. 10.1039/C4SM01413H

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Abstract

Networks embedded in three dimensional matrices are beneficial to deliver physical flows to the matrices. Leaf architectures, pervasive natural network-matrix architectures, endow leaves with high transpiration rates and low water pressure drops, providing inspiration for efficient network-matrix architectures. In this study, the network-matrix model for general flow transport inspired by natural pinnate leaves is investigated analytically. The results indicate that the optimal network structure inspired by natural pinnate leaves can greatly reduce the maximum potential drop and the total potential drop caused by the flow through the network while maximizing the total flow rate through the matrix. These results can be used to design efficient networks in network-matrix architectures for a variety of practical applications, such as tissue engineering, cell culture, photovoltaic devices and heat transfer.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Engineering
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Additional Information:	Pdf uploaded in accordance with the publisher’s policy at http://www.sherpa.ac.uk/romeo/issn/1744-683X/ (accessed 19/09/2014)
Publisher:	RSC
ISSN:	1744-683X
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	22 May 2023 05:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/64452

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