Abstract
In this paper, test procedures to measure permeability, pore radius, porosity, and effective thermal conductivity of a porous structure are discussed in detail. Porous structures are suitable materials for heat pipe applications to promote working fluid circulation around a loop. In order to design heat pipes and estimate their thermal performance, information on the physical properties of the wick is essential. In the present study, physical properties of plastic wicks made from ultrahigh-molecular-weightpolyethylene and metal wicks made from various grades of copper powder were determined for heat pipe applications. Permeability of the porous structure was determined at low as well as high flow rates using a constant pressure head technique. Methods are discussed for measuring the largest pore radius and the mean pore radius of the wick by a Utube bubble point system and capillarity rise procedure, respectively. To measure porosity, the density method and the soaking method were used. In addition to this, effective thermal conductivity of the liquid saturated porous structure was evaluated experimentally using a sintered copper wick soaked with water. The experimental results showed good agreement with the manufacturer's values or calculated values and confirm the integrity of the experimental procedures used.
Published Version
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