Open Access

ARTICLE

A NUMERICAL ANALYSIS ON THE EFFECT OF DEVIATION FROM A CENTERED WICK STRUCTURE IN AN ULTRA-THIN FLATTENED HEAT PIPE

Yasushi Koito^a,*

a Kumamoto University, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto, 860-8555, Japan
* Corresponding author. Email: koito@gpo.kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Frontiers in Heat and Mass Transfer 2021, 16, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.5098/hmt.16.1

Abstract

For ultra-thin heat pipes, a centered wick structure is often used. In this study, a numerical analysis is performed on an ultra-thin heat pipe in which the wick structure’s position has deviated from the center. A 3D heat pipe model, developed by the author in a previous study, is extended, and numerical calculations are conducted to determine any differences in performance because of an off-center wick. The major findings are as follows: (1) a completely centered wick structure is recommended for optimum performance; (2) accurate central positioning of the wick structure is important in the fabrication process of ultra-thin heat pipes.

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Keywords

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