Flow-induced pruning of branched systems and brittle reconfiguration

DOI10.1016/J.JTBI.2011.06.027zbMATH Open1397.92427arXiv1104.2241OpenAlexW2086871229WikidataQ44894177 ScholiaQ44894177MaRDI QIDQ1786040FDOQ1786040

Authors: Diego Lopez, Sébastien Michelin, Emmanuel De Langre 

Publication date: 24 September 2018

Published in: Journal of Theoretical Biology (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: Whereas most plants are flexible structures that undergo large deformations under flow, another process can occur when the plant is broken by heavy fluid-loading. We investigate here the mechanism of such possible breakage, focusing on the flow-induced pruning that can be observed in plants or aquatic vegetation when parts of the structure break under flow. By computation on an actual tree geometry, a 20-yr-old walnut tree (Juglans Regia L.) and comparison with simple models, we analyze the influence of geometrical and physical parameters on the occurrence of branch breakage and on the successive breaking events occurring in a tree-like structure when the flow velocity is increased. We show that both the branching pattern and the slenderness exponent, defining the branch taper, play a major role in the breakage scenario. We identify a criterion for branch breakage to occur before breakage of the trunk. In that case, we show that the successive breakage of peripheral branches allows the plant to sustain higher flow forces. This mechanism is therefore similar to elastic reconfiguration, and can be seen as a second strategy to overcome critical events, possibly a widespread solution in plants and benthic organisms.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/1104.2241

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zbMATH Keywords

allometrybending stresstree-like structurebranch breakagewind-loading

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Biomechanics (92C10) Developmental biology, pattern formation (92C15) Plant biology (92C80) Biological fluid mechanics (76Z99)

Cites Work

• Unifying constructal theory of tree roots, canopies and forests
• Title not available (Why is that?)
• Effects of Wind on Plants
• Drag reduction of flexible plates by reconfiguration
• Maintenance cost, toppling risk and size of trees in a self-thinning stand

Cited In (1)

• Wind and gravity mechanical effects on leaf inclination angles

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