NUMERICAL ANALYSES ON VAPOR PRESSURE DROP IN A CENTERED-WICK ULTRA-THIN HEAT PIPE

This paper describes extended numerical analyses on vapor pressure distribution in a centered-wick ultra-thin heat pipe. Analyses were conducted by using a three-dimensional model developed by the author. Numerical results were obtained changing design parameters and operating conditions of the heat pipe. Discussion was made on the heat transfer limit as well as the vapor pressure drop. Moreover, a simple method was also presented to evaluate the vapor pressure drop in the ultra-thin heat pipe. Calculated results with the simple method agreed in 10 % with the three-dimensional numerical results.