Comparative investigation of operational performance characteristics of axially grooved and arterial heat pipes

The thermal performance characteristics of an axially grooved heat pipe (AGHP) and an arterial heat pipe (ArHP) sharing a similar external configuration are investigated. A mathematical model is developed to predict the capillary heat transfer limit for both heat pipes. The meniscus attachment point, contact angle and liquid–vapor interfacial shear stress are taken into account in this model. In particular, for predicting the ArHP dry-out, a novel model is proposed by introducing two different failure mechanisms. The results of the mathematical model are experimentally verified.