ABSTRACT
Analytical models are utilized to investigate the thermal performance of rectangular- and disk-shaped heat pipes using nanofluids. Heat pipes have been utilized in heat transfer related applications for many years. Depending on their application area, they can operate over a wide range of temperatures with a high heat removal capability. Pressure distribution is obtained by integrating the momentum equation while applying the appropriate boundary conditions. The wall temperature profile is obtained based on the assumption of uniform temperature along the condenser and evaporator sections. For a heat pipe under steady-state operation, capillary pressure of the wick establishes a stable circulation for the working fluid. The maximum heat removal capability of the flat-shaped heat pipe was displayed for a range of wick thicknesses and nanoparticle concentration levels. The existence of an optimum nanoparticle concentration level and wick thickness in maximizing the heat removal capability of the flat-shaped heat pipe was established.
