Evaluation of a Reactive-Heat-Pipe Employing an Arterial Wick
Abstract
This report describes a theoretical and experimental study of the use of arterial wicks in conjunction with a reactive-heat-pipe combustor for the lithium-sulfurhexafluoride reactant combination. The theory suggests substantial increases in allowable wick power densities (to levels on the order of MW/sq m) when arterial wicks are used, improving the compactness of the combustor system. Tests were conducted to determine maximum wick power densities. A 15 kW combustor was used, employing two arterial wick assemblies with a design power density of 4MW/sq m. The results indicated only a small improvement of the maximum power density over conventional wicks (310-440 kW/sq m). The findings suggest that combustion rates were very nonuniform over the wick surface for this test configuration. The use of wick designs with a smaller aspect ratio is proposed as a method of avoiding the nonuniform combustion problem in order to achieve the full potential of the arterial wick configuration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA134924
Entities
People
- G. A. Szekely
- G. M. Faeth
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University