Design, manufacturing, and performance evaluation of heat pipe with three-segmented composite wick structure

The wick structure functions as a core component for heat pipe (HP) and stands as one of the critical factors that dictate the performance of HP. Consequently, this paper puts forward an three-segmented composite wick structure, which is manufactured using 80–100 mesh, 60–80 mesh, and 40–60 mesh copper powder. Experimentally, the influences of filling ratio as well as testing direction on the heat transport performance of HP equipped with segmented composite wick are explored, and the results are contrasted against those of HP featuring single wicks. Additionally, testing direction has a notable effect on the thermal behavior of HP. The maximum heat transfer capacity of HP using 40–60 mesh copper powder as the evaporation section (S1-P2) and that with 80–100 mesh copper powder as the evaporation section (S1-P1) are >90 W and 45 W, respectively. In comparison with S1-P1, S1-P2 has raised its maximum heat transfer capacity by 100 %, while its average thermal resistance of S1-P2 is no more than 0.028 °C/W. Compared with single wicks, the three-segmented composite wick design can effectively lower the thermal resistance of the HP while boosting the heat transfer capacity. Relevant research provides valuable references for optimizing the performance of HP.