The effect of working fluid inventory on the performance of revolving helically grooved heat pipes

The results of a recently completed experimental and analytical study showe d that the capillary limit of a helically-grooved heat pipe (HGHP) was incr eased significantly when the transverse body force field was increased. Thi s was due to the geometry of the helical groove wick structure. The objecti ve of the present research was to experimentally determine the performance of revolving helically-grooved heat pipes when the working fluid inventory was varied. This report describes the measurement of the geometry of the he at pipe wick structure and the construction and testing of a heat pipe fill ing station. In addition, an extensive analysis of the uncertainty involved in the filling procedure and working fluid inventory has been outlined. Ex perimental measurements include the maximum heat transport, thermal resista nce and evaporative heat transfer coefficient of the revolving helically gr ooved heat pipe for radial accelerations of \(a) over right arrow (r)\ = 0. 0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 10.0-g and working fluid fills of G = 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5. An existing capillary limit model was updated and comparisons were made to the present experimental data.