Advances in Transient Modeling of Loop Heat Pipe Systems with Multiple Components

Modeling of transient thermal-fluid phenomena, temperature control, and gravity effects for conventional and upgraded loop heat pipe (LHP) systems with complex radiators, multiple components, and varying environmental conditions, can be effectively accomplished using Thermal Desktop (TM). This paper outlines some recent advances in transient modeling of LHP systems with multiple components, such as a) one LHP with two parallel condensers on two orthogonal radiators with varying environmental heating loads, b) two LHPs sharing one radiator under heat loading and sink conditions changing in time, and c) a hybrid LHP with two main and one secondary evaporators undergoing transients due to the heat loads variation. Cleared for open publication, Oct. 29, 2009, OSR, DOD, 10-S-0170