A New Symbolic-Based Flow Aggregation and Disaggregation Modular Approach for Tree-shaped Networks

Abstract

This paper presents the representation and modeling of real-life tree-shaped natural and manmade networks. It is shown that the tree-shaped networks could be composed of two entities of different functionalities that can operate separately or jointly. The first entity is the feet/head aggregation networks, while the second entity is the head/feet disaggregation networks. Each entity is represented with the same symbolic-based modular model expressions. Moreover, it is illustrated that the aggregation entity network can be mapped through a mirroring type process to an analogous disaggregation entity network and vice versa. The suggested technique is demonstrated by an application of the modeling of 20-nodes reallife tree-shaped irrigation network. The paper also addresses simultaneously the analogy between natural plant tree morphology and natural/man-made operational network of both the aggregation or disaggregation types. It is highlighted that such analogy with the natural tree system could help in future schematizing of stages of operational networks expansion in the most efficient way as learnt from nature and in building advanced generations of operational networks. Furthermore, it is pointed out that the new approach has unlimited scope of real-life applications in engineering/technology such as electric generation, water basins, sewage, agriculture drainage, highway transportation ..etc. networks for the aggregation entity, and electric distribution, irrigation, oil, gas, potable water, roads transport, ..etc. networks for the disaggregation entity. In all respects, the paper has succeeded within the area of tree-shaped networks in crossing the boundaries between the Science of Botany and Engineering/technology (and vice versa) and to create new common areas of important shared interests of great benefits to these disciplines and the science world as a whole. Finally, the new notion of crossing boundaries between sciences can also be extended to and among many other sciences themselves dealing with tree-shaped systems. INDEX TERMS Crossing the boundaries between sciences, ecology and hydrology, evolutionary systems, feet/head aggregation networks, head/feet disaggregation networks, life sciences, medicine and biology, multi-step modular modeling, real-life natural and man-made operational networks, engineering and technology, symbolic-based mathematical modeling, the tree of life, the science of botany, tree-shaped morphology, water and energy.