Analytical and Experimental Investigation of Miniature Heat Pipes. Phase 2
Abstract
A combined experimental and analytical investigation was conducted in order to identify and better understand the phenomena which govern the performance limitations and operating characteristics of micro heat pipes - heat pipes so small that the mean curvature of the vapor-liquid interface is comparable in magnitude to the reciprocal of the hydraulic radius of the flow channel. The analytical portion of the investigation began by developing a steady-state model in which the effects of the extremely small characteristic dimensions on the conventional steady-state heat pipe modeling techniques were examined. To further understand the behavior of these types of devices, a transient analytical model was developed, which could be used to predict steady- state and transient behavior during start-up or variations in the evaporator thermal load. In the experimental portion of the investigation, two micro heat pipes, one copper and one silver, in cross-sectional area and in length, were evaluated experimentally to determine the accuracy of both the steady-state and transient model and to provide verification of the micro heat pipe concept. Tests were conducted in a vacuum environment to eliminate conduction and convection losses. (sdw)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 24, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA216945
Entities
People
- B. R. Babin
- G. P. Peterson
Organizations
- Texas A&M University