The effect of vessel element structure on element conductivity

A number of structural variables influence the conductivity of simple and scalariform perforation plates, and of vessel lumina. Using a previously developed computer model, the effects on conductivity of over 8,000 permutations of different lumen radii, perforation plate angles, perforation plate rim widths, scalariform slit pore heights, and scalariform bar thicknesses are considered. By taking advantage of basic patterns of similarity in the data, and by using scaling techniques, it has proved possible to calculate a series of factors which may be used to predict the conductivity of a vessel element or perforation plate of known dimensions. A number of previous workers have sought relationships between element structure and evolutionary or adaptive trends. Some important variables have been ignored in these studies in the past.