Heat transfer analysis and optimization of a C/C fin heat pipe

Based on the pure heat conduction model of the wick, a three dimensional mathematical model of heat transfer unit on heat pipe radiator was built. The mathematical model was solved by PHOENICS code to acquire the characteristics of heat pipe with the copper fin or the C/C fin under the steady operation. Compared with the copper fin, the C/C fin has better isothermality and more efficient radiation heat transfer. At the same time, the C/C fin can reduce the mass of heat transfer unit. If the wall temperature of the evaporation section is low, the heat pipe in heat transfer unit will encounter the sonic limit when the fin width is increased, and the heat transfer power will be limited. The sonic limit will disappear if the temperature of evaporation section is increased. The optimization analysis results of C/C fin heat pipe show that the width of fin could not be greater than 100 mm, and the best thickness of fin is 0.6 mm. (authors)