Design and Technology of Heat Pipes for Cooling and Heat Exchange

Abstract

Introduction HEAT PIPE CHARACTERISTICS The Role of Capillarity in Heat Transport Pressure and Temperature Distributions Heat Transport Limits Heat Pipe Startup References HEAT PIPE TECHNOLOGY Heat Transport Fluids Containment and Wick Materials Wick Characteristics Heat Pipe Fabrication Environmental Influences on Heat Pipe Operation Heat Pipe Systems References FLUID FLOW IN A HEAT PIPE The Nature of the Flow Process General Pressure Drop Formulation Frictional Pressure Drop for Constant Surface Mass Flux Frictional Pressure Drop for Nonconstant Surface Mass Flux Hydraulic Diameter Frictional Pressure Drop in a Porous Flow Passage Frictional Pressure Drop for Convective Cooling References HEAT TRANSPORT LIMITS Capillary Pumping Limit Sonic Limit Entrainment Limit Boiling Limit Heat Pipe Operational Boundaries Comparison of Calculated and Experimental Heat Transport Limits References HEAT PIPE DESIGN: STEADY STATE Design Criteria and Constraints Heat Pipe Area-Temperature Relations Heat Pipe Internal Dimensions Structural Considerations Additional Design Topics Heat Pipe Exchangeers References HEAT PIPE DESIGN: TRANSIENT BEHAVIOR Heat Pipe Startup Features of the Transient Model Transient Equations Calculational Procedure Assessment of Heat Pipe Startup References DESIGN EXAMPLES Heat Pipe Space Radiator Transient Analysis of the Heat Pipe Space Radiator References Appendices