Study of a loop heat pipe using neutron radiography.
An explanation is given of what a loop heat pipe (LHP) is, and how it works. It is then shown that neutron imaging (both real time neutron radioscopy and single exposure neutron radiography) is an effective experimental tool for the study of LHPs. Specifically, neutron imaging has helped to identify and correct a cooling water distribution problem in the condenser, and has enabled visualization of two-phase flow (liquid and vapor) in various components of the LHP. In addition, partial wick dry-out, a phenomenon of great importance in the effective operation of LHPs, is potentially identifiable with neutron imaging. It is anticipated that neutron radioscopy and radiography will greatly contribute to our understanding of LHP operation, and will lead to improvement of LHP modeling and design.
Cimbala
John M
JM
Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 234 Reber Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA. jmc6@psu.edu
Brenizer
Jack S
JS
Chuang
Abel Po-Ya
AP
Hanna
Shane
S
Thomas Conroy
C
C
El-Ganayni
A A
AA
Riley
David R
DR