Effect of Longitudinal Vibration on the Capillary Limit of a Wrapped Screen Wick Copper/Water Heat Pipe

Neil F. Huber

Date of Award

12-1993

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Abstract

The effect of longitudinal vibration on the capillary limit of a copper water heat pipe with a tightly wrapped screen wick was investigated. The capillary limit was measured over a range of operating temperatures under static conditions. A benchtop shaker was used to provide vibration in the longitudinal axis of the heat pipe. The capillary limit was measured at vibration frequencies of 10, 30, and 50 Hz. At each of these frequencies, tests were run at vibration amplitudes of 0.2 and 2.0 g. The pipe was maintained at a constant inclination angle and power throughput was increased until dryout occurred. The power throughput at dryout was considered the capillary limit. The measured capillary limit for each vibration test was compared to the static tests to determine the effect of the vibration. The results covered operating temperatures from 41.4 °C to 96.6°C. A vibration amplitude of 0.2 g caused a 2.3 percent decrease in the capillary limit. However, there is a 3.7 percent uncertainty in the data. A vibration amplitude of 2.0 g at 30 and 50 Hz caused a 9.6 and 6.1 percent degrade in capillary heat transport limit, respectively. At 2.0 g and 10 Hz, there is a 1.8 percent decrease in capillary heat transport limit. Heat Pipes Vibration Vibration Testing Thermal Protection Working Fluids Heat Flux.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GAE-ENY-93D-18

DTIC Accession Number

ADA273830 *

Comments

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