A first look at the performance of nano-grooved heat pipes. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Akkus, Yigit; Nguyen, Chinh Thanh; Celebi, Alper Tunga; Beskok, Ali
• Is Part Of: International journal of heat and mass transfer. Volume 132(2019)
• Page Start: 280
• Page End: 287
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Nano heat pipe -- Nanoscale two-phase heat spreader -- Molecular dynamics -- Scale effect -- Thermal performance -- Filling ratio; Heat -- Transmission -- Periodicals; Mass transfer -- Periodicals; Chaleur -- Transmission -- Périodiques; Transfert de masse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 621.4022
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2018.12.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-9310

Abstract

Highlights: Nanoscale heat pipes composed of nano-grooves are simulated using molecular dynamics. Performance is evaluated based on operating parameters (filling ratio, heat load). Scale effects on the working characteristics and performance are elucidated. Abstract: Passive thermal spreaders utilizing liquid/vapor phase-change mechanism such as heat pipes, have been widely used in the macro-scale thermal management of electronic devices for many years. Micro-fabrication techniques enabled the fabrication of micro-scale grooved heat pipes on semiconductors. Recent advances in fabrication techniques, on the other hand, enabled production of nano- and ångström-scale capillaries and cavities, which renders the manufacturing of nanoscale heat pipes possible. In the present study, we have simulated nanoscale heat pipes composed of nano-grooves using molecular dynamics and evaluated their performance based on different operating parameters such as the filling ratio and heat load. Moreover, evaluation of size effect on the thermal performance is made by comparing proportionally scaled heat pipes. Simulation results reveal that efficient operation of nano-grooved heat pipes depends not only on the proper selections of filling ratio and heat load, but also on the geometrical parameters such as cross sectional dimensions and aspect ratio of the groove. The modeling strategy used in this study opens an opportunity for computational experimentation of nanoscale heat pipes.