Bodies of the same size suspended uniformly in space constitute a system in a state of uniform volumetric tension because of mass-to-mass forces of attraction.
This new paper shows that such a system “snaps” hierarchically, and evolves faster to a state of reduced tension when the bodies coalesce hierarchically, into few large and many small bodies suspended in the same space.
Hierarchy, not uniformity, is the design that emerges, and it is in accord with the constructal law.
References
- Catherine Meyers, Why Celestial Bodies Come in Different Sizes, American Institute of Physics (AIP).
- Duke University, Celestial bodies born like cracking paint, EurekAlert!
- A. Bejan and R.W. Wagstaff, The physics origin of the hierarchy of bodies in space, Journal of Applied Physics, 2016. DOI: 10.1063/1.4941986