Graded-porosity heat-pipe wicksTo maximize the capacity of a nonarterial heat pipe, a wick is considered whose porosity is allowed to vary axially along its length. At every axial location the porosity is set no lower than required to maintain the wick in a nearly saturated state under the maximum heat-transport rate. The result is a wick whose permeability is everywhere as high as possible. The differential equation that governs the optimum porosity variation is solved numerically between a condenser-end boundary condition that just prevents a liquid slug or puddle in the vapor spaces and an evaporator-end boundary condition that just prevents circumferential groove dry-up. Experimental performance measurements for an ammonia heat pipe are presented.
Document ID
19760054749
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Eninger, J. E. (TRW Defense and Space Systems Redondo Beach, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1976
Subject Category
Fluid Mechanics And Heat Transfer
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 76-480
Meeting Information
Meeting: Thermophysics Conference
Location: San Diego, CA
Start Date: July 14, 1976
End Date: July 16, 1976
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics