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Measurement of performance limits in cryogenic heat pipes

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5894525
This paper describes the results of an experimental study designed to investigate the fabrication and operation of gravity-assist cryogenic heat pipes. Two heat pipes were built, the first having no formal wick but a roughened internal surface, the second having spiral grooves machined with a specially developed tool. The wall material of the heat pipes was brass and hydrogen was used as the working fluid. The wicked heat pipe became operational over the entire temperature range from the triple-point to the critical point. The performance limitation depended on the operating temperature and the tilt angle. Axial heat flux densities of up to 50W/cm/sup 2/ were obtained. 15 refs., 9 figs.
Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA); Astronautics Technology Center, Madison, WI (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
5894525
Report Number(s):
LA-UR-86-1490; CONF-860612-5; ON: DE86010208
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English