This paper presents the representation and modeling of real-life tree-shaped natural and man-made 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. 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. 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. |
