Development of a self-priming high-capacity heat pipe for flight on OAO-C

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a 0.500-inch OD heat pipe with a spiral artery designed to fill under surface tension forces in a one-g field. Capacities in excess of 12,000 watt-inches have been achieved with ammonia as the working fluid. The paper presents the analysis, design, and test of the three-foot-long development models. Also included are some design and fabrication details, along with qualification ground test data for a 12-foot-long spiral artery isothermalizer type heat pipe that is installed on the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory C Model scheduled for launch in 1972.