Here we show how smart
features of self-cooling and self-healing can be gained to mechanical systems
with embedded vascular structures. Vascular structures mimic the circulatory
system of animals. Similar to blood distribution from heart to the animal body,
vascular channels provide the distribution of coolant and/or healing agent from
a point to the entire body of a mechanic system. Thus the mechanic system
becomes capable of cooling itself under unpredictable heat attacks and capable
of healing itself as cracks occur due to applied mechanical loads. These smart
features are necessary for advanced devices, equipment and vehicles. The
essential design parameter is vascularization in order to provide smart
features. There are distinct configurations for vascularization such as radial,
tree-shaped, grid and hybrids of these designs. In addition, several theories
are available for the shape optimization of vascular structures such as fractal
theory and constructal theory. Unlike fractal theory, constructal theory does
not include constraints based on generic algorithms and dictated assumptions.
Therefore, constructal theory approach is discussed in this paper. This paper
shows how smart features can be gained to a mechanical system while its weight
decreases and its mechanical strength increases simultaneously.
Journal Section | Articles |
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Authors | |
Publication Date | July 21, 2017 |
Submission Date | July 21, 2017 |
Published in Issue | Year 2017 |
IMPORTANT NOTE: JOURNAL SUBMISSION LINK http://eds.yildiz.edu.tr/journal-of-thermal-engineering