Heat pipes are devices that utilize phase transition to move energy from a heat source to a heat sink in a wide variety of applications. This paper explores the implementation of premanufactured heat pipes into efficient thermal transport devices to enhance the cooling in industrial, commercial, and military applications.
The heat capacity is a function of the following variables: diameter, evaporation length, the condensing length, the total length, bends, and distortion of the tube with respect to flattening. The most useful configuration is sintered copper because this configuration is largely orientation independent. Modeling these pipes is performed using an “effective conductivity”. An example calculation is provided for clarity.
Along with applications of heat pipes, this paper will detail the manufacturing process for forming and integrating pipes to a functional heat sink device. This paper provides a “how-to” design guide for heat pipes and their capabilities. Modeling suggestions and performance data is given to suggest proper steps and background expectations.