히트파이프 모세관 성능 개선을 위한 스크린-메쉬 윅의 표면 개질

Abstract

Among the operating limits of a heat pipe, the capillary limit is significantly affected by the characteristics of the wick, which is determined by the capillary performance. The major parameters for determining capillary performance are the maximum capillary pressure and the spreading characteristics that can be expected through the wick. A well-designed wick structure improves capillary performance and helps improve the stability of the heat pipe by enhancing the capillary limit. The capillary performance can be improved by forming a porous microstructure on the surface of the wick structure through surface modification techniques. In this study, a microstructure is formed on the surface of the wick by using a surface modification method (i.e., an electrochemical etching process). In the experiment, specimens are prepared using stainless-steel screen mesh wicks with various fabrication conditions. In addition, the spreading and capillary rise performances are observed with low-surface-tension fluid to quantify the capillary performance. In the experiments, the capillary performance, such as spreading characteristics, maximum capillary pressure, and capillary rise rate, improves in the specimens with microstructures formed through surface modification compared with the specimens without microstructures on the surface. The improved capillary performance can have a positive effect on the capillary limit of the heat pipe. It is believed that the surface microstructures can enhance the operational stability of heat pipes.