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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied radiation and isotopes 2004-10, Vol.61 (4), p.701-705
Main Authors: Cimbala, John M, Brenizer, Jack S, Chuang, Abel Po-Ya, Hanna, Shane, Thomas Conroy, C, El-Ganayni, A.A, Riley, David R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Flow visualization
Heat pipe
Loop heat pipe
Neutron
Neutron imaging
Neutron radiography
Neutron radioscopy
Two-phase
Visualization
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0969-8043
1872-9800
DOI:10.1016/j.apradiso.2004.03.104