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Published on: February 19, 2018
Constructal thinking: Geospatial and temporal focal points of activity.
Dan C Baciu1, Lily Wolf1, Marcelo R Errera2
1School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Western Kentucky University, College Heights, Bowling Green, 42101, USA.
The constructal law, introduced in 1996, has spread globally, inspiring scientific research. Studies reveal constructal thinking concentrates geographically around universities and historically during peak research periods.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics and complex systems.
- Physics and engineering.
Background:
- The constructal law, coined by Adrian Bejan in 1996, describes the tendency for systems to generate configurations for improved flow access.
- Its influence has expanded across diverse scientific disciplines and research communities worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the geographical and historical dissemination of constructal theory and its impact on scientific research.
- To analyze the emergence of focal points of constructal thinking in research.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of constructal law conferences held in Turin, Bucharest, and Miami.
- Surveying the global reach of constructal theory among researchers and institutions.
- Observing patterns of constructal thinking in research activities.
Main Results:
- Constructal thinking exhibits distinct geographical concentrations, often centered around major universities.
- Historical analysis reveals temporal peaks in research activity related to constructal concepts.
- These observed patterns align with predictions made by the constructal law itself, as seen in fields like hydrodynamics.
Conclusions:
- The spread of constructal theory follows predictable patterns of geographical and historical clustering.
- These focal points of activity are expected phenomena, consistent with the principles of the constructal law.
- The constructal law provides a framework for understanding the evolution and dissemination of scientific ideas.
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