MINIMUM ENERGY-DISSIPATION AND FRACTAL STRUCTURES OF VASCULAR SYSTEMS

A two dimensional minimum energy dissipation rate model has been used to study the structure of vascular networks. The geometry of the resul ting minimum energy dissipation rate vascular system (MEDVS) has been studied. The structures of MEDVS networks are self-similar and have a fractal dimension of 2 on long length scales with a crossover to a fra ctal dimension of 1 on short length scales. A power-law distribution o f link energy dissipation rates was found. The MEDVS networks have als o been studied in terms of their transport properties.