Heat Pipe Design and Technology: A Practical Approach

With its unique ability to transfer heat over large distances with minimal loss, the heat pipe has emerged as a proven environmentally friendly, energy-saving solution for passive thermal control. However, until recently, the high cost and complex construction use of these marvelous mechanisms has generally limited their use to space technology. Written by a former senior chief scientist at Lockheed who has also worked for Westinghouse and the U.S Air Force, Heat Pipe Design and Technology: A Practical Approach provides a practical study of modern heat pipe engineering in nuclear and solar energy applications, discussing how it can be optimized and made more cost-effective for use on a wider scale. An introduction to operational and design principles, this book explores the use of heat pipes, particularly in high-heat flux applications and in situations in which there is any combination of non-uniform heat loading, limited airflow over the heat generating components, and space or weight constraints. It also discusses design and application of self-controlled, variable-conductance heat pipes for thermal control in spacecraft. Offering a review of heat and mass transfer theory relevant to performance, the book covers issues that can affect successful heat pipe operation, including: Balancing of heat pipe loads Compatibility of materials Operating temperature range Power limitations Thermal resistance Operating orientation With its presentation of mathematical models to calculate heat transfer limitations and temperature gradient of both high- and low-temperature heat pipes, the book compares calculated results with the available experimental data from various sources to increase confidence in existing models. It also explains where and how readers can access helpful interactive computer codes and a series of computer programs developed by the author to support presented data, aid design, and predict performance.

Table of Contents:
History Description and Types of Heat Pipes Principles of Operation Operating Ranges Constraints Lesson(s) Learned Applications Heat Pipe Theory Fundamental Considerations Operating Characteristics of Heat Pipes Operating Limits Sonic Limit or Choking Entrainment Limit Wicking=Capillary or Circulation Limit Boiling Limit Viscous Limit Condenser Limit Transport Limitations Working Fluid Heat Pipe Startup Characteristics and Control Heat Pipe Design Overview Design Guide and Heat Pipe Selection How to Select a Heat Pipe? What Materials Can Be Used to Construct a Heat Pipe? When to Consider a Heat Pipe Things to Consider When Designing a Heat Pipe Entrainment and Boiling Limitations What Is the Common Heat Pipe Wick Structure? Steady-State and Transient Regime Heat Pipe Steady-State and Transient Analysis Design Criteria and Constraints Optimal Heat Pipes Design Examples Computer Codes for Designing Heat Pipes Computer Codes for Heat Transfer and Fin Designs and Materials Composite Piping Stress Analysis Software Other Heat Pipe Analysis Codes Application of Heat Pipe in Industry Overview Heat Pipe in Nuclear Power Plant Heat Pipe in Space Heat Pipes in Electronic Heat Pipe in Defense and Avionics Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger Residential Buildings Space Shuttle Orbiter Heat Pipe Applications Manufacturing of Heat Pipes Heat Pipe Manufacturing Procedures Cleaning of Parts Assembly of Heat Pipes Evacuation and Charging Full Tube Closure Heat Pipe Testing Techniques Other Types of Heat Pipes Thermosyphon Loop Heat Pipes--Capillary Pumped Loop Pulsating Heat Pipes Micro-Heat Pipes Constant-Conductance Heat Pipes Variables-Conductance Heat Pipes Rotating and Revolving Heat Pipes High-Temperature Heat Pipes (Liquid Metal Heat Pipes) Cryogenic Heat Pipes Appendices