Three-dimensional numerical analysis of heat and mass transfer in heat pipes

A three-dimensional finite-element numerical model is presented for simulation of the steady-state performance characteristics of heat pipes. The mass, momentum and energy conservation equations are solved for the liquid and vapor flow in the entire heat pipe domain. The calculated outer wall temperature profiles are in good agreement with the experimental data. The estimations of the liquid and vapor pressure distributions and velocity profiles are also presented and discussed. It is shown that the vapor flow field remains nearly symmetrical about the heat pipe centerline, even under a non-uniform heat load. The analytical method used to predict the heat pipe capillary limit is found to be conservative.