Plant-mimetic Heat Pipes for Operation with Large Inertial and Gravitational Stresses
Abstract
The design of heat transfer systems for applications in aircraft and other dynamic contexts involves stringent constraints on weight, form factor, breadth of operating conditions, and robustness of operation. Heat pipes have long been recognized as an attractive, passive alternative to conventional heat exchangers for these applications. Yet, the capillary limitation in conventional heat pipes limits their operation to contexts in which there exist minimal hydraulic, gravitation, and inertial stresses. In this project, we have exploited insights from the physiology of plants to propose plant-inspired designs of loop heat pipes for operation with large stresses. Toward the realization of these Superheated Loop Heat Pipes (SHLHP), we developed a set of mathematical models and experimental approaches. Our models provide design rules for heat transfer systems that could provide significant advantages relative to conventional designs. Our experimental platforms have led to unprecedented measurements on liquids at large negative pressures, insights into the dynamics of metastable liquids, and the prototypes of the first technologies to exploit liquids under tension.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 07, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA622588
Entities
People
- Abraham D Stroock
- N. M. Holbrook
Organizations
- Cornell University