Heat Transfer in Aerospace Applications

Chapter 7

Heat Pipes for Aerospace Application

Abstract

This chapter gives a review of heat pipes for aerospace applications and also presents the basic principles of the operation of heat pipes. Various types of heat pipes are discussed. Limitations, design and manufacturing considerations, and developments are discussed.

Keywords

Capillary limitation; Design; Heat pipe types; Loop heat pipes; Variable conductance heat pipe

7.1. Introduction

Heat pipes are useful in the thermal control of spacecraft, satellites, and avionics. Cooling of satellite electronic components within a limited surface area represents an example. It is possible to transfer heat over long distances, with minimal temperature gradients. Commonly a heat pipe has no moving parts ...