An experimental investigation was conducted and a test facility constructed to measure the capillary heat transport limit in small triangular grooves, similar to those used in micro heat pipes. Using methanol as the working fluid, the maximum heat transport and unit effective area heat transport were experimentally determined for ten grooved plates with varying groove widths, but identical apex angles. The experimental results indicate that there exists an optimum groove configuration, which maximizes the capillary pumping capacity while minimizing the combined effects of the capillary pumping pressure and the liquid viscous pressure losses. When compared with a previously developed analytical model, the experimental results indicate that the model can be used accurately to predict the heat transport capacity and maximum unit area heat transport when given the physical characteristics of the working fluid and the groove geometry, provided the proper heat flux distribution is known. The results of this investigation will assist in the development of micro heat pipes capable of operating at increased power levels with greater reliability.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Research Papers
Experimental Investigation of the Maximum Heat Transport in Triangular Grooves
H. B. Ma,
H. B. Ma
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3123
Search for other works by this author on:
G. P. Peterson
G. P. Peterson
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3123
Search for other works by this author on:
H. B. Ma
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3123
G. P. Peterson
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3123
J. Heat Transfer. Aug 1996, 118(3): 740-746 (7 pages)
Published Online: August 1, 1996
Article history
Received:
September 14, 1995
Revised:
April 29, 1996
Online:
December 5, 2007
Citation
Ma, H. B., and Peterson, G. P. (August 1, 1996). "Experimental Investigation of the Maximum Heat Transport in Triangular Grooves." ASME. J. Heat Transfer. August 1996; 118(3): 740–746. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2822694
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Cited By
Entropic Analysis of the Maximum Output Power of Thermoradiative Cells
J. Heat Mass Transfer
Molecular Dynamics Simulations in Nanoscale Heat Transfer: A Mini Review
J. Heat Mass Transfer
Related Articles
Shape of a Vapor Stem During Nucleate Boiling of Saturated Liquids
J. Heat Transfer (May,1995)
The Interline Heat Transfer of Evaporating Thin Films Along a Micro Grooved Surface
J. Heat Transfer (August,1996)
Evaluation of Pressure, Surface Characteristics, and Fluid Properties Effect on Pool Boiling Heat Transfer Over Plain and External Micro-Finned Cylindrical Surfaces
J. Thermal Sci. Eng. Appl (November,2023)
Effect of Liquid Properties on Phase-Change Heat Transfer in Porous Wick Structures
J. Heat Transfer (March,2016)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
The Special Characteristics of Closed-Cycle Gas Turbines
Closed-Cycle Gas Turbines: Operating Experience and Future Potential
Completing the Picture
Air Engines: The History, Science, and Reality of the Perfect Engine
Control and Operational Performance
Closed-Cycle Gas Turbines: Operating Experience and Future Potential