Design and Thermal Performance Research of Airfoil Alkali Metal High-Temperature Heat Pipe

An integrated airfoil alkali metal high-temperature heat pipe structure is proposed for the air rudder. The heat transfer properties of lithium and sodium are analyzed, and the equal thickness test pieces are designed and prepared. The sonic limit, condensation limit, viscosity limit, entrainment limit, capillary limit and boiling limit are calculated theoretically, and the corresponding feasible working areas are drawn according to each limit curve. It is found that the optimal working temperature range of the test piece is 800 similar to 1500 K. The effects of heating power and placement angle on the start-up time, isothermal performance, and heat transfer performance of the test piece are studied by experiments. The increase in heating power is helpful to shorten the start-up time and improve the isothermal performance and heat transfer performance of the test piece. The placement angle has little effect on the start-up time, but it has an effect on the isothermal performance and heat transfer performance. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4056696]