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Performance investigation of heat pipe using aqueous solution of n-Pentanol with different inclinations

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Abstract

The orientation of the heat pipe plays the significant role in its performance. In specific orientations, the performance of the heat pipe is directly related to the wick structure. In conventional heat pipe, the working fluid is used a negative surface-tension gradient with temperature. It is an unfavorable one and it decreases the heat transport between the evaporator section and the condenser section. An Aqueous solution of n-Pentanol having a positive surface tension gradient with temperature is suggested as a working medium for heat pipe to improve the performance of capillary limit and operating stability. The objective of this paper is to perform a comparative study of heat pipe performance using the aqueous solution of n-Pentanol with water at various inclinations. The results are presented to demonstrate the merits and suitability of the aqueous solution of n-Pentanol as a working fluid for heat pipe.

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Correspondence to R. Senthilkumar.

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This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Man-Yeong Ha

R. Senthilkumar obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bharathiar University in 1994 and his Masters degree in Thermal Plant Engineering from Bharathidhasan University in 2002. He is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Annamalai University. He is on his way to obtaining his Doctoral Degree. He has two international and one national paper to his credit. His areas of interest include Heat transfer and Thermal Engineering.

S. Vaidyanathan obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Annamalai University. Masters Degree in Thermal Power Engineering in 1992 and Doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2005 from Annamalai University. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Annamalai University. He has a number of publications in National and International journals to his credit. His areas of interest include Heat transfer, Fluid flow and CFD.

B. Sivaraman obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Annamalai University. Masters Degree in Thermal Power Engineering in 1990 and Doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2007 from Annamalai University. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Annamalai University. He has a number of publications in National and International journals to his credit. His areas of interest include Heat transfer, Solar energy and Numerical Heat transfer.

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Senthilkumar, R., Vaidyanathan, S. & Sivaraman, B. Performance investigation of heat pipe using aqueous solution of n-Pentanol with different inclinations. J Mech Sci Technol 25, 923–929 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-011-0207-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-011-0207-4

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