An analysis of the effects of external heating on the SP-100 system radiator heat pipes

The research used a 2-D transient heat pipe model to study the survivability of a simulated SP-100 radiator heat pipe. Results demonstrate that heat pipe failure caused by external thermal exposure is unlikely; however, a reverse operation which will transport a fraction of the external heat to the lithium in the secondary coolant loop will temporarily occur. The duration of this reversed operation depends on the external heat flux and the exposure time as well as on the exposed fraction and the total length of the heat pipe. Results also demonstrate that a full external exposure as low as 17 kW/m/sup 2/ lasting for more than 6l.5 seconds can reverse the operation of the radiator's heat pipes