Trees, forests and the Eiffel tower reveal theory of design in nature

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Eiffel Tower. Credit: Adrian Bejan
Eiffel Tower. Credit: Adrian Bejan
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What do a tree and the Eiffel Tower have in common? According to a Duke University engineer, both are optimized for flow. In the case of trees, the flow is of water from the ground throughout the trunk, branches and leaves, and into the air. The Eiffel Tower's flow carries stresses throughout the structure without collapsing under its own weight or being downed by the wind.


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