Groove optimization for axially grooved heat pipes

The effects of axial groove geometry on the transport limits of heat pipes are examined to determine the optimal groove size and shape. The capillary, entrainment, viscous, sonic, and boiling limits are all examined for room temperature axially grooved heat pipes. A specific casi: of a toluene heat pipe is used as an example to highlight the groove optimization analysis. This analysis demonstrated that the best solution was a rectangular groove with an aspect ratio of the grooves between 1 and 1.35. Reentrant grooves were not examined in this investigation as bubble venting and an equivalent open artery capillary pumping to filled groove capillary pumping were desired.