Numerical Simulation by ABAQUS of Heat Transfer in a Flat Mini Heat Pipe

In this paper, the implementation procedure for numerical simulation of the heat transfer process in a Flat Mini Heat Pipe (FMHP) is presented. Both thermal conductivity and the effect of the phase change of liquid on the heat transfer behavior of FMHP were simulated using BAQUS of CFD software. The investigation was carried out on an FMHP, with a horizontal orientation, for different powers and different cooling temperatures. The wall temperature distribution along the FMHP was studied. The results show that the FMHP is more effective in reducing the temperature gradient than a copper plate of the same dimensions. The capillary limit is attained at the same power regardless of the temperature of the cold source. In addition, the effective thermal conductivity is considerably increased compared to that of a copper plate. On the other hand, a study is done on the influence of some parameters such as the power imposed on the evaporator, the temperature of the cold source and the geometrical characteristics of the FMHP (lengths of the evaporator and the condenser) on the variation of the temperature distribution of the wall. A comparison between model results and experimental findings from previous work shows the numerical model’s good ability in predicting the distribution of the axial temperature along the FMHP.