Experimental frequency domain dynamics of heat pipes

Detailed frequency response data were obtained experimentally using a number of water heat pipes with compressed bronze screen as the wicking material. The experimentation involved subjecting the heat pipes to step change in heat input and converting the time response data to frequency response via Fourier transformation. Variations in such parameters as operating temperature, condenser area, evaporator area, and wick thickness were achieved in order to study their effects on the system dynamics. The results obtained were compared with a proposed theory to validate the latter. Apart from providing quantitative information on the hitherto unavailable frequency domain dynamics, the results also elucidate the influence of experimental variables on the dynamics. © 1978.