Transient heat pipe response and rewetting behavior

Abstract

This paper describes the results of an investigation of pulsed heat pipe startup. Two types of pulsed startup of a copper/water heat pipe are examined. In the first, the mean temperature of the transport section is nearly constant with time. In the second, the entire heat pipe is increasing in temperature, so thermal energy storage in the heat pipe is significant. Dryout of the wick at the evaporator is found to occur only for heat transport rates greater than the capillary limit. A transient heat pipe model is used to explain the dryout and rewetting of the wick in the second type of pulsed startup.