Visualization and Experimental Analysis of Fluid Behavior in Grooved Heat Pipes

Abstract

High-performance grooved heat pipe modelling requires improved knowledge of flow behavior inside grooves. Even if this flow is usually laminar, a free surface governed by capillarity leads to many difficulties when calculating the mean friction factor of grooves. In the present study, an experimental bench has been developed in order to visualize the liquid–vapor interface channels of four different axially grooved heat pipes. Subsequent experimentation, which is associated with image processing programs, allows for measurement of liquid height and meniscus radius evolution in a groove along the heat pipe axis. As regards laminar flow inside the grooves typically used in heat pipes, the mean friction factor has been measured.

Keywords:

• groove
• meniscus
• pressure drop
• visualization
• heat pipe
• friction factor

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors wish to gratefully thank Thalès Alenia Space, the CNRS and the Poitou Charentes Region for their financial support.