Study of a loop heat pipe using neutron radiography

John M. Cimbala, Jack S. Brenizer, Abel Po Ya Chuang, Shane Hanna, C. Thomas Conroy, A. A. El-Ganayni, David R. Riley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)701-705
Number of pages5
JournalApplied Radiation and Isotopes
Volume61
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2004

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Radiation

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