Visualizing the thermal performance of heat pipes with thermochromic liquid crystalsA novel technique has been developed to visualized the thermal performance characteristics of simple low temperature heat pipes and thermosyphons. Copper heat pipes with internal, annular mesh wicks and charged with Refrigerant-12 were externally coated with thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) paints. The thermally sensitive TLC coating reversibly changes color upon heating and readily permits visual identification of transient and steady state isotherms during low temperature operation. The start-up and operational behaviors of the heat pipe as well as the presence of non-condensible gases can be visually identified through a spectrum of color changes. A brief video demonstration illustrating heat pipe thermal performance characteristics has been developed and illustrates the utility of TLCs for visualizing thermal behavior.
Document ID
19920068139
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Gunnerson, Fred S. (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Thorncroft, Glen E. (Central Florida, University Orlando, FL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1991
Subject Category
Fluid Mechanics And Heat Transfer
Meeting Information
Meeting: IECEC ''91: Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference