Heat transfer in micro region of a rotating miniature heat pipe

A theoretical model is established that describes the evaporating film flow in a rotating miniature heat pipe with an axial triangular grooved interna l surface. The theory of thin liquid film vaporization heat transfer is use d to predict the evaporation heat transfer in the micro region. The effects of disjoining pressure, surface tension and centrifugal force on the flow are discussed. Results show that the influence of centrifugal force on the liquid film flow and evaporation heat transfer in the micro region is not s ignificant. The influence of superheat on the apparent contact angle and ev aporation heat transfer coefficient in the micro region is shown. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.