Generalized modeling of steady state and transient behavior of variable conductance heat pipes
Abstract
This paper presents a novel scheme for solving the mass and energy balances for a variable conductance heat pipe. These equations are used to determine the length of the gas-blocked portion of the pipe and the vapor temperature and pressure in the active section. The approach presented here is unconditionally stable and offers improved accuracy over most commonly used schemes. The mathematical model is extended to simulate the effects of ice plug formation and of open artery or limited capacity on heat pipe performance.
- Publication:
-
AIAA, 22nd Thermophysics Conference
- Pub Date:
- June 1987
- Bibcode:
- 1987thph.confT....A
- Keywords:
-
- Heat Pipes;
- Spacecraft Components;
- Steady State;
- Temperature Control;
- Transient Response;
- Control Equipment;
- Ice Formation;
- Mathematical Models;
- Time Response;
- Vapor Pressure;
- Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer