Performance predictions and measurements for space-power-system heat pipes
Abstract
High temperature liquid metal heat pipes designed for space power systems were analyzed and tested. Three wick designs are discussed and a design rationale for the heat pipe is provided. Test results on a molybdenum, annular wick heat pipe are presented. Performance limitations due to boiling and capillary limits are presented. There is evidence that the vapor flow in the adiabatic section is turbulent and that the transition Reynolds number is 4000.
- Publication:
-
Presented at the 4th Intern. Heat Pipe Conf
- Pub Date:
- 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981ihp..conf....7P
- Keywords:
-
- Heat Pipes;
- Performance Tests;
- Systems Engineering;
- Gas Flow;
- Molybdenum;
- Reynolds Number;
- Space Power Reactors;
- Turbulent Flow;
- Wicks;
- Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer