Parameters
Working Fluid
Wick Type
Pipe Length L
30.0 cm
Inner Diameter D
6.0 mm
Tilt Angle θ
0 °
Negative = adverse gravity (evaporator up) / Positive = gravity-assisted
Operating Temperature T
80 °C
—
Max Heat Transport Q_max [W]
—
Effective Conductance [W/m·K]
—
Governing Limit
—
Axial Heat Flux [W/cm²]
Theory
Capillary limit (most critical):
$$Q_{cap} = \frac{A_w K \rho_l h_{fg}}{\mu_l L_{eff}} \left(\frac{2\sigma}{r_{eff}} - \rho_l g L \sin\theta\right)$$Laplace equation (capillary pressure):
$$\Delta P_{cap} = \frac{2\sigma}{r_{eff}}$$Effective thermal conductance:
$$k_{eff} = \frac{Q_{max} \cdot L_{eff}}{A_{cs} \cdot \Delta T}$$
Applications: PCB and electronics cooling, spacecraft thermal control, solar collectors. Typical wick permeability K values: sintered 10⁻¹²–10⁻¹⁰ m², grooves 10⁻¹⁰–10⁻⁸ m², screen 10⁻¹²–10⁻¹⁰ m².