Fluid flow in isomeric constructal networks of tubes

Abstract

The branching topology of tree networks has a considerable influence on the distribution of fluid flow inside them. Fluid flow asymmetry (an unequal distribution of fluid flow between the daughter tubes) can arise in geometrically symmetric branches. It is important to be able to pinpoint the reason for this, which is still not fully understood. This study compares tree flow network designs with the same number of tubes of equal sizes but attached to one another in various directions, i.e., network isomers. The flow resistance and fluid flow distribution assessment within the networks are calculated based on the computational fluid dynamics results. This study shows, among other results, that the flow asymmetries are more noticeable at higher bifurcation levels, and the performance of tree designs is highly dependent on how the tubes are arranged in the network, especially how they are aligned at different levels of bifurcation. Practical guidelines that can immediately produce significant insights into the relationship between the incidence of asymmetry in the flow and alignments of the tubes between levels are defined. The findings of this study will be useful to designers in improving the design and management of these networks.